Savvy smartphone users know that the fastest way to respond to an e-mail or text, or to draft a new message, is to speak it. Apple's Siri is better known, but Google's voice recognition system built into every Android phone works better (at least for me and most others who've compared the two systems). For a real productivity boost, combine your Android phone's speech-to-text capabilities with Google Docs and dictate documents directly to your computer.
This great tip from Pocketables explains how to turn your Android phone into a speech recognition device that works in tandem with your computer using the magic of Google Docs. Here is a brief summary:
Since Google Docs enables multiple users to open and edit a document at the same time, or even the same user to open the same document in multiple locations, you can use a clever combination of devices to replicate the same functionality that software like Dragon provides: Simply open a document in Google Docs on your computer, and open the same document on your phone or tablet that runs Android. Then, press the microphone button on your Android keyboard, or simply use Google’s voice input. Finally, narrate whatever you want to write, and the transcription will appear in real time on your computer, in addition to your phone.
The great thing about Google Docs is that once you've completed your dictation, you can save the document in MS Word format and open it in Word (if need be) to do final editing and formatting. You won't find the rich collection of commands present in Dragon NaturallySpeaking (which is a terrific product but can cost you $150). Then again, if you have an Android phone, Google's speech to text is accurate and absolutely free.