ICS video: active voice dictation, facial tracking and more

17 November 2011 by Discuss (7)

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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 : GALAXY Nexus
    Manufactuer : Samsung
    Carrier : Verizon
    Announced Date : October 18, 2011
    Release Date : December 15, 2011
    Also Known As : Nexus Prime
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:
  • SMS
  • MMS
Hardware
    CPU : OMAP 4460
    CPU Clock Speed : 1200 Mhz
    Core : 2
    Ram : 1000 MB
    Internal Storage : 32 GB
    Front Facing Camera :
    Camera Resolution : 5 MP
    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?