ICS video: active voice dictation, facial tracking and more

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We know that you’re just clamoring to get your own hands on the Galaxy Nexus and Ice Cream Sandwich, but in the meantime, you can console yourself with some detailed walkthroughs of the new features. The latest video we’ve got is a look at the new active dictation feature, which allows users a continual stream of voice-to-text input without waiting for the data to go back and forth. The accuracy and speed is, frankly amazing.

The feature works a lot like the Voice Input you’re already used to using in Gingerbread or Honeycomb: just tap the microphone icon on an input area or the keyboard. Then just start talking, and the text will appear almost immediately. Dictation continues in real time, though you’ll need to add your own punctuation. When you’re done, simply stop talking. There is a time limit, but it’s a lot more than you’re likely to use at any one time.

Check it out below:

We’ve also got a good look at the new forward-facing camera system in Ice Cream Sandwich. Beside the fact that it’s remarkably clear even in low light (that’s more of a testament to the Galaxy Nexus than the software), it’s also got a new facial tracking feature, keeping your mug in focus even while you’re moving around. It should work with video conferencing apps as well.We’ve also got another example of the unfortunately tricky WiFi implementation in ICS.

We’ll be adding more looks at cool features as we find the min the next few days, leading up to our Galaxy Nexus and Ice Cream Sandwich review.

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name

Manufactuer

Carrier

Announced Date

Release Date

Also Known As

Display

Screen Size : 4.65 Inch
Resolution : 1280x720
Screen Type : Super AMOLED

Dimension & Weight

Height : 5.33 Inch
Width : 2.67 Inch
Depth : 0.35 Inch
Weight : 135 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type

Lithium Ion

Battery Capacity : 1750 mAh
Talk Time : NA
Stand By Time : NA

Software

Android OS

4.0.x

Audio Playback

AAC
AAC+
AMR
MID
MP3
WAV
WMA

Video Playback

h.263
h.264 / AVC
MPEG-4 (MP4)

Messaging

Hardware

CPU

CPU Clock Speed

Core

Ram

Internal Storage

Front Facing Camera

Camera Resolution

Camera Features

Auto focus
Flash
1080p Video Recording

Sensors

Accelerometer
Ambient light
Proximity

QWERTY

Cellular Network

Network Technology

GSM
CDMA

GSM Band

850
900
1800
1900

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi

802.11b
802.11g
802.11n

Bluetooth

Bluetooth 3.0

Location Features

Compass
GPS
Cellular location
Wi-Fi location

FM Radio

NFC

Anonymous

That is very cool can’t wait to try it…but what if I do want to dictatethe words period or exclamation mark?

http://www.androidcommunity.com Cory Gunther

you can say it all just like he does in the video. Say Comma, period, exclamation point, or even smiley face and it will do it. You actually say comma or period out loud and it works smooth as butter.

http://profiles.google.com/dbbgba Osvaldo Andreaus

I think he means what if you want to write “exclamation point” instead of “!” and “comma” instead of “,”

Boludo

What about the search function? In FroYo and Honeycomb, if you searched your contacts for a word you had in the notes or other non-primary fields, it would not appear. It amazes me that a search engine company like Google would have a horrible search on Android.
http://www.facebook.com/laadidatta Laadi Datta

nice bits of information there
numetheus

Why is he excited about commas and exclamation points? Voice dictation software has had those features for years. Vlingo for Android does it, as does Siri on iPhone. Nothing to see here. Move along.
Anonymous

I know this is completely unrelated, but what model Omega are you wearing in the video?

ICS video: active voice dictation, facial tracking and more

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