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Google now recognizes 119 languages for voice-to-text dictation

Google now recognizes 119 languages for voice-to-text dictation

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You can also dictate emoji

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Image: Google

If you’re too lazy to type, Google’s speech-to-text recognition has added another 21 languages today. That brings support to 119 language varieties for users who want to dictate a message to their phone, which Google claims is three times faster than typing. The 21 languages added today include Armenian, Bengali, Lao, Sinhala, Sudanese, Nepali, Urdu, and Tamil.

Google collected speech samples from native speakers saying common phrases for the update. “This process trained our machine learning models to understand the sounds and words of the new languages and to improve their accuracy when exposed to more examples over time,” the company said in a blog post. The dictation can be used for voice search and across Google’s suite of products including the translate app.

Image: Google

Google has also introduced a parent-friendly feature that allows users to dictate emoji by saying “smiling emoji” or “winky face emoji.” The emoji function comes first for English speakers, and will roll out in other languages soon.

To access the voice typing function, install Gboard for Android or iOS and pick your language by pressing the G, then selecting the settings wheel. For voice search, use the Google app and pick your language in the voice settings menu.