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To put it bluntly, no there isn’t a version of Dragon speech recognition that was designed nor accredited for use on a Mac computer.

There did use to be, but due to a gap in the standard in comparison to the Windows version it was discontinued in 2018.

However, the reality is that there are still many people out there that want to use Dragon on their Mac and enjoy the many benefits that come along with speech recognition.

So, what are the options?

Switch to Windows

Ok ok, it’s not the answer you were looking for. No one wants to have to get a new computer in order to use Dragon, not only is this an additional cost, but it also takes time.

That being said, we have various clients who upon learning there is no Dragon for Mac version have completed the swap.

This is, of course, a decision that highly depends on your line of work and the importance of Dragon within your role. For some clients, being able to use Dragon brings too many benefits to afford not to use it.

Furthermore, many have found that the financial and resource gains from using Dragon far outweighed the initial financial output of a Windows PC.

Parallel’s Desktop Workaround

We don’t feel that we can address Dragon for Mac without acknowledging the emerging popular Parallel’s desktop workaround.

Although not supported by Nuance Communication or Microsoft, Parallel’s software is being used by Mac users to access Dragon on their computers.

Parallel simply mimics the Windows desktop setup on Mac devices which creates a loophole for compatibility with Dragon speech recognition.

Whilst this is working for Apple users, we’d like to make it clear that Nuance, nor any approved Nuance Partners are responsible for any issues that may arise as a result. Needless to say, there are risks that come with this option.

Philips SpeechLive

Last but not least is SpeechLive by Philips. Although a digital dictation platform, SpeechLive is also available as a bundle with either Dragon Professional Anywhere or Dragon Medical One.

How does this work with Mac devices? Well, SpeechLive has its own desktop app but it can also be accessed via internet browsers – meaning Mac users can utilise both SpeechLive and Dragon via the internet.

Understandably, some users do not require the digital dictation facility that SpeechLive primarily offers, but the unrestricted use of Dragon is a perk not to be ignored.

What next?

We understand that this may not have been the answer you were hoping for and that it is also a bit of a grey area, but we are more than willing to talk through your options directly.

Our team of experts have a breadth of knowledge that we’d be more than happy to assist you in finding the best way for you to utilise Dragon.

Please feel free to reach out by calling 01423 870 476 or using the button below.

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