5 easy ways to convert audio files to text
What comes to mind when you think of the word transcription? Does it evoke images of leaning over your computer, headphones on, while trying to stop and start an audio recording as you type?
It’s one thing to turn written notes into typed text. Tap or click here to find out how. But transcribing audio files on your own can be a huge pain, especially if you aren’t trained in transcription.
You can always go the old-school route of transcribing it yourself, which could take hours. Or you can use a transcription service to convert audio files to text. There are plenty of free or low-cost options, most of which work in minutes. Here are five of the best to help you out.
Best ways to convert audio files to text
1. Otter.ai
Transcription software can be expensive depending on its features, but if you’re looking for a free or affordable way to get the job done, check out Otter.io. It’s a real-time, cloud-based speech-to-text program that transcribes your audio files for you on smartphones and computers — and it’s one of the most affordable options.
You can use Otter to transcribe interviews, lectures or meeting recordings, or for live captioning and to collaborate between teams. If your recording has multiple speakers, each person is assigned a different ID to make it easier to understand the transcriptions. You can also use the app to organize and share your audio or text files.
What’s nice about Otter is that you can try it for free before buying the basic plan. You’ll get 300 minutes of free service when you sign up for an account, and once you’re out of minutes, you can choose from the Premium and Teams plans.
The cost starts at about $8.50 per month for the Pro plan (when paid annually) and gives you a ton of extra features and up to 1,200 minutes of transcription.
2. Transcribe in Word
Are you a Microsoft Word user who’s looking for a transcription service? You’re in luck because Word has a feature called Transcribe that you can use to transcribe your .mp3, .wav, .m4a or .mp4 audio recordings.
5 ways to create your own emoji
“The Emoji Movie” was popular because it reminded us how much emojis are part of our lives. We once could only text with words, but now we can convey entire sentences, thoughts and feelings with a string of emojis. Tap or click here to find out what the 25 most popular emojis mean.
Android update: New privacy feature, family reminders and more
The latest version of Android has been rolling out since October on Google Pixel phones and is now available for Samsung Galaxy devices.
Other users are still waiting for Android 12 to be available, bringing new security features such as a Privacy Dashboard. Tap or click here to check out new Android settings to protect your privacy.
How to install a new keyboard on your Android + 5 great picks
The keyboard is a key part of your Android experience. You’re constantly interacting with it, tapping out texts, composing emails and conducting internet searches. But you don’t have to live forever with the keyboard that came with your phone.
Always wanted to learn Morse code? This app makes it easy
Practical and survival skills are hard to come by these days. Whether it’s because fewer people are camping or more people are staying indoors and watching Netflix, skills like woodworking, starting fires, or Morse code are no longer widely taught.
Create your own emoji combinations with Google's new custom keyboard
Jump on Google Play or the iOS App Store and you’ll find hundreds of custom keyboard apps. Some give you access to characters from other languages, while others make it easier for you to type. But the most popular keyboards of all focus on giving you more of one thing: Emojis.