Android dictation timeout

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Q: Why is dictation stopping after a couple of seconds?

A: Speaking Email dictation keeps listening for 10 seconds to allow you to pause for breath, and then asks if you are finished. It gives you the opportunity to say "more" and add more text.


However, this feature relies on the operating system dictation and some versions of Android operating system will not allow silence this long and unfortunately a pause of a couple of seconds will stop the dictation.


Is there a workaround? Basically, you need to speak without pausing. This is a skill you can learn and master with a little practise, although it can certainly be frustrating.


What is Speaking Email?

An app for iPhone and Android that reads your email out loud to you. It intelligently extracts content from emails (minus the signatures, disclaimers and threads). And it lets you action your email - archive, mark-as-read, trash, flag - using voice commands or on-screen buttons. It works with Microsoft 365 (aka Office, Outlook) and Gmail email accounts, as well as most other providers including any standard IMAP server.


Who is it for?

People who are busy and run out of time to get through their inbox. People who want to make productive use of time when driving to work. People with blindness, vision problems, or other disabilities who cannot see or type and want to be able to hear, reply to, and compose emails by voice. 


Does it work on Apple CarPlay?

See our other product Speaking Email CarPlay if you have CarPlay.


Is is free?

Yes it is free to download the basic edition. Free features: 

  • Email text-to-speech (TTS) with smart content detection (this is awesome, you will be blown away!)
  • On-screen buttons for basic actions next/prev, archive, flag


Do I have to upgrade?

Nope, but you can upgrade for: 

  • Multiple accounts
  • Attachment reading
  • Voice commands (you will love this!)
  • Dictation - reply/forward/compose (you will love this even more!)

Find out more