Whether you’re in the legal, medical, or business field, this update offers real advantages for busy professionals who need to produce documents quickly, efficiently and accurately.

Automatic Speech Recognition with Microsoft Azure AI

At the heart of this new feature is Microsoft’s Azure AI platform — a cloud-based speech engine used by enterprise organisations around the world. Once enabled, ODMS Cloud v2 can automatically transcribe dictation files as soon as they are uploaded to the cloud including natural language punctuation. No need to dictate your punctuation.

This means recordings made on supported Olympus/OM SYSTEM digital dictaphones or through the ODMS Cloud smartphone mobile dictation app are transcribed in the background. The recognised text is then sent back to the transcriptionist final editing and proofreading. This reduces transcription time dramatically. If you outsource your transcription this results in less hours charged. If you insource your transcription will result in a happy transcriptionist who can recover some valuable time to work on other projects.

For professionals used to outsourcing transcription or spending time manually typing notes, this can dramatically reduce turnaround time.

How It Works

ODMS Cloud’s speech recognition functionality is triggered automatically based on your workflow setup. Once a dictation is securely uploaded, the system:

1. Integrates with Microsoft Azure’s speech recognition engine to process the digital dictation.

2. Returns a formatted text transcription.

3. Presents the result in the ODMS Cloud Transcription Module, where it can be reviewed and corrected as needed.

The transcription editor includes a new Text Correction Window, which highlights each word as it is spoken during playback. This makes it easy to verify the content, make adjustments, and finalise the document in less time.

Key Features

Here are some of the core benefits and features of the ODMS Cloud v2 Speech Recognition module:

• Automated Transcription: Dictations are converted to text as soon as they are uploaded.

• Text Correction Window: Synchronised audio-text review interface makes proofing faster and more accurate.

• Unlimited Use: The speech recognition add-on is licensed on an annual basis and offers unlimited transcription usage.

• Template Support: Output can be merged with pre-formatted Word templates, saving even more time for admin staff.

• Workflow Integration: Supports routing rules and team-based document handling, ideal for larger organisations.

Compatibility and System Requirements

To use the speech recognition feature, you’ll need the following:

• ODMS Cloud Author License + the new ODMS Cloud Speech Recognition Add-On licence

• The ODMS Cloud Mobile App (available for iOS and Android) and/or

• Digital Dictaphones such as:

  • OM System DS-9100

  • OM System DS-2700

  • Olympus DS-9000/DS-9500

  • Olympus DS-7000/Ds-5000 (yes these are long discontinued but many are still in use and are now compatible with ODMS Cloud)

For more information on ODMS Cloud, digital dictation, transcription and speech recognition solutions contact us as Dictate Australia

OM System (Olympus) have released v1.2.0 to their ODMS Cloud dictation and transcription workflow solution desktop companion application ODMS Desktop. This takes ODMS Desktop to version 1.2.0 for both Windows and macOS.

ODMS Desktop is the application used by transcription typists to securely playback dictation audio files from ODMS Cloud. ODMS Cloud is a free application for both Windows and Mac, typists require an ODMS Cloud licence to access audio from dictation authors.

The update shows OM’s commitment to their fledgling ODDS replacement solution which has only been around since March 2024, so 9 months at the time of writing. It also shows that OM are listening to their global customers via their trusted partners like Dictate Australia, with a key update being the number one gripe from ODMS Cloud transcription typists:

Transcription Typists Will Love This Update:

In progress transcription, set to pending. When the audio is revisited the last used audio position is lost and audio starts again from the beginning. FIXED in ODMS Desktop 1.2.o – for full details on what’s new in ODMS Desktop 1.2.0 click here.

ODMS Desktop is expected to roll out to Windows users via the Microsoft Store from 2nd December, 2024.

For macOS transcription typists, your update is expected a week later around the 9th December, 2024.

If you landed on this page it is likely because you are using the new (released March 2024) ODMS Cloud dictation and transcription workflow solution from OM System (new name for Olympus Audio).

ODMS Cloud is touted as a super secure cloud solution for primarily confidential dictation audio, typically legal or medical and super secure it certainly is. Part of that security has removed the ability to download audio dictations, even though they may be in the enrcypted .ds2 audio file format, and share them in an uncontrolled manner (emails, cloud share drives etc) across the internet.

This is a fundamental shift in the way the digital (and old school analog tapes) has worked for years for transcriptionists. I.e. transcription typists get an audio file, digital or a tape, and transcribes the audio on a local computer. Typically this requires specialised transcription typing software to load the audio, control the audio playback with a typing foot pedal or hot keys, while listening and transcribing. We and our customers have seen quite a bit of push back, especially from outsourced transcription services, in this new way of working. ODMS Cloud only allows transcription of audio using a free audio playback tool called ODMS Desktop for Windows or macOS.

Note both dictation authors and transcription typists require an ODMS Cloud licence.

So, can you download audio from ODMS Cloud? Yes you can but …

So the reason you are here, can you download and transcribe audio from ODMS Cloud? Technically yes you can, practically there are many hoops to jump through which will take longer than it would to transcribe the audio as designed, ie with the ODMS Desktop program.

If you want more detail on exactly how the audio can be downloaded head over to our main website where we have an in-depth guide on how to achieve this.

Spoiler alert:

1. You will need the ODMS Cloud Admin to do the download, not the transcription typist (unless they are also an admin)
2. You will need ODMS R8 Dictation Module (DM) or ODMS R8 Transcription Module (TM) for Windows only
3. ODMS R8 is licensable software, so will cost

Click here for all the information you need.

Looking for an accurate, fast speech recognition solution to turn your spoken voice into text, with punctuation? Don’t waste your time with free or paid apps from the iOS or macOS app store, if you are an Apple user your ecosystem already has this capability.

Essentially Apple has just sherlocked a whole raft of paid and free voice to text apps by introducing it themselves, for free. As always with Apple it’s not a shabby effort either. If you are not aware of what sherlocked means -> When Apple eliminates or shrinks the market for established third-party software due to a free, built-in feature.

It’s in the Voice Memo’s app. Something you likely tried once in the past and then promptly forgot. This new feature in a plethora of smart updates to iOS 18 for your iPhone, watchOS 11 and macOS Sequoia this is one overlooked and very powerful feature for anyone who writes or dictates to get your thoughts down anywhere anytime with one of your devices. Much focus in the media has been around the Siri and ChatGPT integration with these latest releases which is likely why you haven’t heard much about it.

As you may already know, Voice Memos allows you to dictate audio recordings using your voice. That audio is then syncronised across iCloud to your devices. With macOS 15 Sequoia and iOS 18 your voice memos will also be transcribed. That’s really handy I bet you are thinking? But wait there is more, view the transcript of your VoiceMemo on your iPhone or Mac and you can “Resume” recording allowing you to continue speaking and see the real time voice recognition as it happens. Once you have completed your audio simply copy and paste the text wherever you need it, maybe in an email, into a text message or in my case, into a blog post.

This feature is going to be very useful for journalists, doctors, lawyers, insurance assessors, real estate agents or anyone that needs spoken voice to text for their work. Oh and yes it does automatically add punctuation, so no need to say comma, full stop or period which will be familiar if you have used other voice recognition solutions.

Speech to Text on your Apple Watch

To use speech to text on your Apple watch, just open the Voice Memos app. Start recording and start talking. There is no way to pause and then resume recording on your Apple Watch but don’t worry as once the audio is transferred via iCloud to your iPhone or Mac there is a handy setting in the Voice Memos app which allows you to skip silences:

The Enhance Recording options tries to reduce background noise and echo on your recording.

You can delete the voice memos on your Apple Watch by swiping left and you can also rename the voice memo on your Apple watch by swiping right. This paragraph was written using my Apple Watch, my Airpods were not connected so I was just using the in built microphone on my Apple Watch. But with your Apple Airpods connected it would to be useful if you are recording voice memos in noisy environments by utilising the noise cancellation functionality built into the Airpods.

Speech to Text on your iPhone

Switching to the iPhone, in this example I am using an Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max. Open up your voice memos app and all your syncronised voice memos will be there for you. Here the functionality starts to extend from that on the Apple Watch and emulates what you can also do with Voice Memos on your Mac.

Firstly you can search, by typing or using your voice, to find audio or transcripts that you might be looking for, just use one or two words that you may have spoken to be able to find the audio and transcript. Swiping right on a voice memo will allow you to set it as a favourite, handy if you keep coming back to the audio to add more. Swipe left on a voice memo recording and you can delete the audio, move it to a folder or select more actions.

More actions bring up the usual list of things you can do with a file like copy it ready to post in a text message or email, this relates to the audio. For each voice memo there are three blue dots, tap on that and this is where the magic will happen.

You can now edit the recording, here you can append audio from the end of the audio or use the slider to position the play back line anywhere in the audio and resume recording as shown in the animated image. This will overwrite audio from where the line was placed. Real time voice recognition on your iPhone.

When you tap the quote icon, this will show you the transcript ready to copy and paste anywhere. But if you are not done you can tap the Replace button which will continue the audio recording and show you the transcript being created in real time.

Speech to Text on your Mac

Finally on your Mac. Again just open the Voice Memos app and all your syncrionised recordings from your Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad and Macs are there for you. If like me you tend to write long articles this is where getting those voice recorded transcripts into your tool of choice in my exmaple WordPress, you may be using Microsoft Word. Maybe you are a legal professional and use something like Lexus Nexus. Genie Practice Management if you are a medical person, scrivener if you are a journalist or blogger, the list goes on. The Voice Memos app on your Mac has the same functionality as on your iPhone, just look for the quote icon.

Speech to Text on your iPad

Of course this great functionality extends to the iPad also, we see this being used along with the iPhone not just for single speaker voice to text but for interview and meeting recording and transcription. For meetings especially we will expect an interest in better quality, wider range microphones that can be used with iPhone and iPad. We will be writing more on this as we test further.

At Dictate Australia we are getting more and more enquiries from office and practice managers around the use of AI in the dictation and transcription workflow process.

From our testing, the accuracy, speed and quality of voice recognition using AI is fantastic, it is also cheap. One solution we have been using to test OpenAI’s Whisper speech to text (STT) models is a fantastic app called MacWhisper. AI is much better at processing voice audio than it is at creating graphics judging by the featured image on this blog post.

MacWhisper is a macOS application designed for transcribing audio files using AI-based speech-to-text technology. Here’s a summary of its key features and functionality:

MacWhisper Key Features:

• AI Transcription: MacWhisper utilises OpenAI’s Whisper model to convert spoken words in audio files into text, supporting various languages and accents.
• Wide Audio Format Support: The app supports multiple audio formats, including MP3, WAV, M4A, and more, making it versatile for different audio sources.
• High-Quality Transcription: Provides accurate, high-quality transcription results, especially useful for podcasts, interviews, meetings, and voice notes.
• Offline Transcription: MacWhisper runs entirely locally on your Mac, meaning it can perform transcriptions without an internet connection, ensuring privacy and security of your audio data.
• Language Support: The app supports transcription in a wide variety of languages, making it useful for multilingual transcription needs.
• Simple User Interface: The interface is user-friendly, making it easy to upload audio files and manage transcriptions without needing extensive technical knowledge.
• Editable Text: Once the transcription is complete, you can edit the text directly within the app, allowing you to make adjustments or corrections as needed.
• Export Options: Transcriptions can be exported in various text formats, allowing for easy sharing or integration with other tools.

MacWhisper Functionality:

• Drag-and-Drop Audio Files: Users can simply drag audio files into the app for quick transcription.
• Real-Time AI Transcription: The app processes audio files in real time, delivering transcriptions quickly depending on the file length and complexity.

MacWhisper is ideal for professionals, content creators, and anyone needing a reliable, offline transcription solution on macOS.

Here is an example of MacWhisper in action, firstly for real-time voice recognition allowing me to talk and it will type wherever I can put my cursor and secondly producing a transcript from spoken voice with playback for quick and easy proofreading:

Confidentiality Considerations !

On our main website dictate.au we have written a post specifically focused on AI for Legal and Medical Professionals with a warning to both firms and outsource transcription services around the use of AI and legal requirements for confidential audio. Please review this blog post for more on that topic.

If you are an existing user using the OM System ODMS Cloud dictation and transcription workflow solution you can do so via the ODMS Cloud web portal. The can be done on a Windows PC or a Mac and you must have ready access to your email as during the password reset process you will be sent two verification codes.

ODMS Cloud Two Factor Authentication

At the time of writing, OM System (the new name for Olympus Audio), uses two factor authentication to access the ODMS Cloud. The only option for multi factor authentication is via email only, there is currently no option to use a third party tool like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator or similar.

ODMS Cloud Verified Users

Only verified users can issue a password reset. Verified users can have an Author or Transcriptionist role (both of which require an ODMS Cloud license) or an ODMS Cloud administrator, no licence required. You can be a verified user in one of two ways.

1. You had your Olympus ODDS licence or admin email migrated to the replacement ODMS Cloud solution or
2. You have been invited as a user by the admin of your ODMS Cloud account and have verified that you have access to your email address

ODMS Cloud Password Reset Process

The process to reset your password involves the following steps:

1. Go to the ODMS Cloud web portal – https://odmscloud.omsystem.com
2. Click on Existing User Sign In
3. Click the Forgot Your Password link, no need to enter your email address here
4. Once you have clicked Forgot Your Password, now enter your email address a click Send Verification Code
5. Check your email, find the verification code just sent, copy and paste it into the Verification Code field and click Verify Code
6. Enter your email address again and click Send Verification Code
7. Collect the verification code again from your email and type the code into the Verification Code box and click Verify Code
8. Now you can enter your new password

ODMS Cloud User Password Minimum Requirements

Simple eight step process. Note that the rules for ODMS Cloud user passwords are:

• Must be from 8 to 64 characters long
• Must include a lower and upper case character
• Must include a number
• Must include a symbol

ODMS Cloud Password Reset – How To Video

We have created a video showing the ODMS Cloud password reset process:

ODMS Cloud Help & Support

Need help with ODMS Cloud? Want to try the ODMS Cloud 30 day free trial? Contact us at Dictate Australia (we support customers globally)

OM System, formerly known as Olympus Audio, has released the latest major version of its on-premise Windows software, ODMS R8 – OM System Dictation Management System. With Olympus ODMS R7 support is ending in March 2025, now is the time to upgrade to the latest version.

Why Upgrade to ODMS R8?

ODMS R8 offers enhanced features and improved compatibility, ensuring your dictation and transcription workflows remain efficient andup-to-date. Here’s what you need to know about upgrading:

1. Upgrade Eligibility: Upgrades to ODMS R8 are only available from ODMS R7 installations for both the Dictation Module (DM) and Transcription Module (TM).
2. Older Licences: If you own licenses for older Olympus software, such as ODMS R6 or DSS Player Pro R5, you will need to purchase a full ODMS R8 licence rather than an upgrade licence. Please ensure your physical dictaphone is compatible with ODMS R8, especially for the Dictation Module. Currently, only the Olympus DS-9000 & DS-9500 are compatible with ODMS R8 Dictation Module.

Compatibility Overview

Refer to the OM System compatibility chart to verify your device’s compatibility with ODMS R8.

ODMS R8 Transcription Module Compatibility

• Devices: Compatible with RS-28H & RS-31H transcription pedals.
• Supported Audio Formats: .ds2 (encrypted or not), .dss, .mp3, .wav, and .wma.

Transcription Module (TM) was supplied with the Olympus transcription kits (AS-4000/AS-5000/AS-7000/AS-9000) and now OM System AS-2700. The OM System AS-9100 now comes with an ODMS Cloud licence only but can also be used with ODMS R8 Transcription Module (TM). The Transcription Module is used to both automate the loading of dictation files to be transcribed from a typists email, from a shared drive to directly from a physical dictaphone.

ODMS R8 Dictation Module Compatibility

• Devices: Supported by Olympus digital dictaphones (DS-4000/DS-5000/DS-7000/DS-9000/DS-9500) and OM System DS-2700.
• ODMS Cloud Licence: The OM System DS-9100 now includes an ODMS Cloud licence, but it can also be used with ODMS R8 Dictation Module.

Dictation Module (DM) over the years was supplied with the Olympus digital dictaphones (DS-4000/DS-5000/DS-7000/DS-9000/DS-9500) and now OM System DS-2700.

The OM System DS-9100 now comes with an ODMS Cloud licence only but can also be used with ODMS R8 Dictation Module (DM). The Dictation Module is used to both configure the digital dictaphone and to automate the download of dictation audio to send to a transcription typist or typing team either via email or to a shared drive, cloud or local.

Licence Key Details

• Dictation Module Licence Keys: Start with “RD.” The next character indicates the version of the software. For example, RD76-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx is an ODMS R7 Dictation Module licence key.
• Transcription Module Licence Keys: Start with “RT,” with the next character indicating the software version. For example, RT76-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx is an ODMS R7 Transcription Module licence key.

How to Upgrade

• RT7 or RD7 Licence Keys: Eligible for an upgrade to ODMS R8.
• RT6/RT5 or RD6/RD5 Licence Keys: Require the purchase of a full ODMS R8 licence key.

What do I need to buy?

If your ODMS licence key starts with:

• RD7 then you need ODMS R8 Dictation Module (DM) Upgrade – AS-R803
• RD5 or RD6 then you need ODMS R8 Dictation Module (DM) Full Licence – AS-R801
• RT7 then you need ODMS R8 Transcription Module (TM) Upgrade – AS-R804
• RT5 or RT6 then you need ODMS R8 Transcription Module (TM) Full Licence – AS-R802

Upgrading your ODMS R7 software is quick and easy, our video explains the steps.

The OM System and Olympus licences can be confusing. The version numbers, the licence keys and the modules. If you are not sure and need help contact us at Dictate Australia.

Efficient workflow management is essential for productivity. The OM System (Olympus) ODMS Cloud solution offers a scalable platform to streamline mobile digital dictation and transcription processes.

Here’s how it works:

Customised Workflows and Routing Rules

ODMS Cloud allows office and practice managers to create workflows that direct digital dictation audio from authors to typists or typing teams based on set criteria like the author’s ID or a worktype:

1. Simple Workflows: Direct audio from a single author to a single typist.

2. Template Integration: Automatically opens the correct document template (e.g., letterhead) when a typist begins transcription.

3. Work Type IDs: Authors select work types during dictation, routing audio and opening specific templates, such as a standard letter head, medical patient note, or legal affidavit; you define the Worktypes and assign your own templates.

Scalability and Flexibility

ODMS Cloud scales with your business, accommodating small one author and typist businesses to large medical and legal firms across various work locations. It supports hybrid work environments, ensuring seamless audio routing.

OM System’s ODMS Cloud Workflow Documentation.

Easy Workflow Management

Administrators can dynamically adjust workflows via the ODMS Cloud web portal, ideal for managing workload distribution and re-routing dictations.

Key ODMS Cloud Advanced Workflow Benefits

• Enhanced Productivity: Streamlines transcription with automated routing and templates.
• Flexibility: Supports hybrid work environments.
• Scalability: Grows with your business needs.
• Ease of Management: Intuitive web portal for adjustments.

Free Trial and Support

Want to try ODMS Cloud for your business? Dictate Australia offers a 30-day free trial of ODMS Cloud. We will set up your account, configure your trial licenses and provide free onboarding support.

The video below helps explain for ODMS Cloud Administrators:

In the blue corner we have Philips Speechlive with their Speech-to-Text. And in the Red corner we have Dragon Anywhere, Professional and Legal …

Ok this post is not about which is best, they are both excellent at what they do. The post is more about which solution Philips Speechlive with Speech-to-Text or Dragon Professional Anywhere DPA and Dragon Legal Anywhere DLA is best for you. Here we are going to be talking about DLA/DPA available with a Philips Speechlive licence rather than the independent product.

Philips have had a Speech-to-Text add-on option to Speechlive for a while which just keeps getting better with more features constantly being added and better accuracy obviously fuelled by the frantic evolution of AI powered back end solutions that help make speech recognition more accurate.

Dragon, from Nuance, has been around since 1997 when it was first released. Since being acquired by Microsoft Nuance’s Dragon suite of voice recognition applications seem to have had a lick of paint and have become way more slicker, easier to use, easier to setup and very very accurate.

With the latest Nuance Dragon Anywhere products, Professional for the every day professional and Legal for the every day legal person with their specific dictionary of legalise terminology and words, your personally trained, and constantly updated by regular use, voice profile, now lives in the cloud, making it available well …. Anywhere.

So lets break down why you might use either of these awesome voice and speech recognition solutions:

Philips Speechlive with Speech-to-Text

• Use the Philips Speechlive app for iPhone or Android to dictate audio from anywhere at anytime.
• Use the Philips Speechlive web portal via a browser on a Windows or Mac computer to dictate audio, on any computer, anywhere and at anytime.
• Use a traditional hand held digital dictaphone, any brand, make or model and upload your dictation to Speechlive automatically when connected to your Windows PC or Mac. 
• Have the audio you have created in any of the three scenarios above sent to Speech-to-Text and return to you the transcript, available for download via the browser and on the phone app.
• Or send the audio to your Speechlive typist or transcription pool and they will receive both the audio and the transcript. The transcript just needs to be proofread and formatted, much faster than traditional transcription, reducing turnaround times and transcription hourly costs.
• Need a voice recording of a meeting transcribed? Simply send to Speech-to-Text, indicate the number of speakers (maximum 10) and let Philips Speehlive do the work for you. Returned is a transcript of the meeting, with speakers identified (called speaker diarisation) along with time codes. Perfect for business meetings or if you are a jounalist to get those interviews transcribed quickly.
• Want to do real time voice recognition on your Windows PC or Mac computer, Speech-to-Text can do that.

All the above points are covered in our video below:

Philips Speechlive with Dragon Professional Anywhere or Dragon Legal Anywhere

• Dedicated Windows Speech-on-Demand application which can be used for real-time voice recognition on your Windows PC. While dictating on the PC your voice profile is constantly learning from the way you speak and improving the already impressive out of the box accuracy. Your profile is stored in the Cloud making it accessible from anywhere by Dragon or Philips Speechlive.
• Need to record dictation on a Mac? Open up Speechlive in a browser on your Mac and talk directly to it. Send the dictation to “Speech Recognition” and Speechlive will use your Dragon profile to transcribe your audio. Of could you can also do this on a browser on a Windows PC, any computer, anytime from anywhere.
• How about a transcript of dictation on a your iPhone or Android. With the Philips Speechlive app, with a DLA or DPA add-on, when you record on your smartphone and send to speech recognition your Dragon profile is used and the transcript is available on your phone. Need it on any computer, just log in to Speechlive anywhere and access your transcript.
• Just like Philips Speech-to-Text, when you select to send dictation to your typist the audio will arrive along with a Dragon transcribed document ready for processing.

All the above points are covered in the video below:

So which solution is best for you and your business, Dragon Anywhere or Speech-to-Text?

• Just want to dictate any time and anywhere, on a smartphone app, Windows or Mac browser then Speech-to-Text is for you.
• Need to transcribe to odd interview or meeting, again Speech-to-Text
• You only use a Mac, Speech-to-Text
• Practice or Office Manager and need a simple solution for your many dictation authors while reducing transcription time, Speech-to-Text
• Real time voice recognition on your Windows PC or Mac, Speech-to-Text
• You are a professional who dictates alot and needs next level accuracy, then look at DPA or DLA
• You like to create documents yourself on your PC, maybe short patient letters or long legal affidavits, DPA or DLA is for you. 
• Want full control over your Windows PC with your voice, open applications, switch windows to different applications, transcribe what you say where you can put your cursor, again DPA or DLA is the one.
• Free two week trial available for Dragon Professional Anywhere or Dragon Legal Anywhere, contact us to setup your trial

What are the Philips Speech-to-Text and Dragon Anywhere licence models?

Both Philips Speechlive Speech-to-Text and Dragon Anywhere DPA or DLA are one-year subscription licences and are both optional add-on’s to a Philips Speechlive licence. They can be added at anytime during the term of your Speechlive licence but note, when Speech-to-Text is added it is pro-rata’d to end the same date as your Speechlive licence anniversary. When DLA or DPA is added it starts a full one-year term from that date, this just means that your Speechlive licence and Dragon licence renewal may be out of sync.

I have a few Speechlive Dictation Authors, can some use Speech-to-Text and some use Dragon Anywhere?

Yes, Philips have made it possible for a dictation Speechlive author to have either Speech-to-Text or Dragon and both can be mixed in your Speechlive account.

For more information about Philips Speechlive or Dragon Anywhere Professional or Legal contact Dictate Australia

The new dictation and transcription cloud solution from OM System (the new name for Olympus audio) has been live since April 2024 as we wrote in an earlier blog post. At Dictate Australia we have migrated many ODDS (Olympus Dictation Delivery Service) users and added many new users to the cloud solution. We have just created a short(ish) 6 minute video giving and overview of the flow from dictation author through to transcription typist.

Some key points for ODMS Cloud:

• Each user role, both Author or Transcriptionist, requires an ODMS Cloud licence. Practice and office managers who do not have an author or typist role do not need a licence
• Dictation authors can use the free ODMS Cloud smartphone app for iOS and Android to record and send dictation securely
• Dictation authors can also use a compatible Olympus or OM System digital dictaphone and upload audio via the ODMS Desktop application for Windows and Mac
• Transcription of audio can only be done using the ODMS Desktop application for Windows and Mac
• Transcription typists require an OM System or Olympus compatible foot pedal for audio control while transcribing
• ODMS Cloud licence can be easily assigned and unassigned to users. Unused licences sit in a pool ready for use, licences can be pre-purchased to cover licences for a year or more

For more information on ODMS Cloud or anything dictation, transcription or voice recognition please contact Dictate Australia.

The first update to the OM System ODMS Cloud backend is scheduled to be rolled out globally today, 17th June 2024 at 4pm AEST. This is the first update since v1.0 went live in April 2024. Although only small updates have been added in this release we expect more in the near future (just us hoping, not official from OM System).

If you see this when logging into ODMS Cloud – odmscloud.omsystem.com – you will know why …

A summary of the updates is below, a new updated 155 page user manual has also been released to accompany the updates, insomniacs rejoice. Here is a link to the ODMS Cloud v1.1 User Manual

The ODMS Cloud June 2024 release includes several updates and new functionalities:

1. Bulk User Registration Function:
   • Allows the registration of multiple users simultaneously using a CSV file. This is intended to streamline the process of adding new users to the system.
2. Edit/Delete Functions:
   • Edit Dictation File Name: Users can now rename dictation files within the workflow.
   • Delete Dictation File: Users can remove dictation files from the system.
   • Delete Users: It is now possible to delete user information from the ODMS Cloud.
   • Delete Typist Group: Typist groups can be removed.
   • Delete Template File: Template files can now be deleted.
   • Edit Partner Information: This function allows the editing of partner information but is only available from OMDS Support to Distributor level.
   • Delete Partners: Partners can be removed from the system, also restricted to certain administrative levels.
3. File Automatic Deletion Function:
   • Enables automatic deletion of files marked as “Finished” after a predetermined period, which helps in managing the data lifecycle and storage efficiency.
4. Updated Storage Management Function:
   • Display of Storage Capacity: Users can now view available and used storage capacities.
   • Warning for Exceeding Storage Capacity: A warning email is sent when the storage usage exceeds 80% of the capacity limit, helping to prevent overuse and potential system issues.

These enhancements aim to improve the administrative efficiency, data management, and usability of the ODMS Cloud system.

Having issues getting a user verified on ODMS Cloud?

Specifically if you have added a new user, Transcriptionist or Author role, an they did not verify using the automated link emailed within 24 hours, prior to this release you missed the verification window. With this release to ensure a user gets verified as an ODMS Cloud user you will need to delete the user from the portal and then re-add them, this will initiate a new verification process. Note a user can only be deleted if they do not have a licence so you will need to unassign the licence prior to deletion. If you are not sure please reach out to Dictate Australia for assistance.

ODMS Cloud is the replacement for the Olympus ODDS (Olympus Dictation Delivery Service) which is due to close down at the end of March 2025. See our blog post OM System Starts Migration of Olympus ODDS Users to ODMS Cloud

ODMS Cloud is a dictation and transcription workflow solution hosted in the cloud. To access and use the solution dictation authors and transcription typists require an ODMS Cloud one year subscription licence. Authors can use either the ODMS Cloud mobile app for iOS or Android or a compatible Olympus or OM System digital dictaphone to record and upload dictations. Transcription typists require the free ODMS Desktop application for Windows and Mac to transcribe audio from the ODMS Cloud.

Back in 2018 when Olympus released ODMS R7 we created a similar blog post on how to install that version for free in trial mode. Then the trial was 60 days, for ODMS R8 the trial period is now 30 days. ODMS R7 is still supported and won’t reach end of life until April 2025.

OM also release a Cloud based dictation and transcription workflow solution called ODMS Cloud. The traditionally professional 9000 series dictaphones and transcription kits were also released but these now come packaged with an ODMS Cloud licence, although they are both compatible with ODMS R8 and a licence would need to be purchased separately for these models. These new models are the OM System DS-9100 dictation kit with ODMS Cloud and the OM System AS-9100 transcription kit with ODMS Cloud.

The ODMS R8 software for Windows still comes in two modules (installed via just the one installer), the Dictation Module (DM) used by dictation authors and Transcription Module (TM) for transcription typists. A DM licence key is included in the box with the DS-2700 dictaphone and the TM is included in the AS-2700 transcription kit.

Both modules are installed via a licence key. It is essential that you keep your licence keys safe as they will be required if you suffer a PC crash and need to re-install the software or if you upgrade your PC and need to move the software from the old to the new Windows computer.

It is possible to install and test ODMS R8 in trial mode. Trial mode will give you full functionality of either Dictation Module or Transcription Module for 30 days so is useful if you can’t find your licence key but need to use the software or if you just want to see how ODMS R8 works for yourself before you buy.

• Buy AS-R801 – OM System ODMS R8 DM Dictation Module Licence Key
• Buy AS-R802 – OM System ODMS R8 TM Transcription Module Licence Key
• Buy AS-R803 – OM System ODMS R8 DM Upgrade Licence Key from ODMS R7 only
• Buy AS-R804 – OM System ODMS R8 TM Upgrade Licence Key from ODMS R7 only

The Olympus DS-9000/DS-9500 which have been around since August 2018 are replaced by the OM System branded DS-9100 and DS-2700 models.

The OM DS-9100 includes an ODMS Cloud license, while the DS-2700 comes with an ODMS R8 Dictation Module license. ODMS R8 was released globally in April 2024 to replace Olympus ODMS R7.

The DS-9100 comes in two options, a DS-9100 kit which includes a docking station for fast charge and easy USB connect and a DS-9100 with BYO dock. The dock from the Olympus DS-9000/DS-9500 which is part CR-21 can be used with the DS-9100 and DS-2700 so if you are upgrading from the discontinued Olympus models a dock will not be required. The OM System DS-2700 does not come with a dock.

Both OM System models offer similar usability, with the main differences being the microphones and software licenses. The OM System DS-9100 is ideal for users needing cloud integration, while the DS-2700 suits those preferring traditional local file management. Although the DS-9100 can be used with locally installed ODMS R8 Dictation Module (DM) and the DS-2700 can be used with an ODMS Cloud licence.

Care needs to be taken when selecting a new model as the licence changes, especially if choosing ODMS Cloud, can have an impact on your typist.

For more details, visit the original blog post [here]

The ODMS Cloud Desktop App installer can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store for Windows, macOS (Intel or Apple Silicon) from the link as the beginning in this sentence.

To use the ODMS Cloud system a dictation author requires:

• An ODMS Cloud licence that is assigned to the user via an admin portal as an Author role
• A means to dictate audio which includes the ODMS Cloud Dictation App for iOS and Android and the new OM System DS-9100 digital dictation kit (which includes an ODMS Cloud licence in the kit)

To use the ODMS Cloud system a transcriptionist typists requires:

• An ODMS Cloud licence that is assigned to the user via an admin portal as a Transcriptionist role
• A compatible transcription typing pedal, no hotkeys are available. Transcription typists also require an ODMS Cloud licence to access the audio from the author(s).

ODMS Cloud Desktop app for both Windows 11 and macOS

Whether you work on a Mac or Windows PC, and with ODMS Cloud you can work on either or both if you have an ODMS Cloud licence, the way that the ODMS Cloud Desktop App is run is a little odd.

How to run the ODMS Cloud Desktop App on my PC or Mac

The app itself is kicked off when you log in to the ODMS Cloud web portal – odmscloud.omsystem.com – you don’t run it as you would a normally installed Windows or Mac app. You will know when it is running as you will see the ODMS Cloud icon in the desktop menu bar on a Mac or hidden away in the bottom right-hand corner of your desktop:

This can be especially confusing for typists as typically they are used to running a locally installed transcription application. Once logged into the ODMS Cloud portal you can process your audio by clicking on the light blue Playback hyperlink under the file you want to transcribe. This will initiate the connection to the audio and the transcription mini player will appear. You will notice on initial use multiple pop-ups for your confirmation of opening the Desktop app by the ODMS Cloud website, you can reduce these by ticking the Always allow boxes in the dialogue.

Here are the typical views that a new typist to the ODMS Cloud would see once they have the ODMS Cloud Desktop app installed on their PC or Mac and log in to the ODMS Cloud portal:

1. This confirms that the desktop app is installed and can be seen by the web portal login, we recommend you tick the Always allow box …

2. This is the blue Playback hyperlink you would choose for the audio file you want to transcribe … again confirmation that you want to open this file in the local ODMS Cloud Desktop app

3. Just to be safe, and also a little annoying, one final confirmation, again tick the Allow always box to reduce this popup spam

4. Playback mini player is shown and audio can be played

For any help or advice on the ODMS Cloud solution from OM System (Olympus) please contact Dictate Australia

April 2024 and the transition from the Olympus ODDS to the OM System ODMS Cloud has begun for existing Olympus Dictation App users.

What is with all the acronyms?

• Olympus has re-branded and are now called OM System for audio products
• ODDS was Olympus Dictation Delivery Service
• ODMS is OM System Dictation Management System
• ODMS Cloud replaces ODDS
• OM System ODMS Cloud app replaces the Olympus Dictation app
• Download the ODMS Cloud Reference Manual (142 pages)

What has changed with the new ODMS Cloud vs ODDS?

• New portal for licence allocation, requests and licence configuration – odmscloud.omsystem.com
• Licences can be purchased in advance and stored until required
• * No more email/FTP/OneDrive file transfer – audio can only be uploaded to the cloud from authors and transcribed from the cloud by typists
• Pricing remains the same for ODMS Cloud as for ODDS – $199 incl. GST for one year. Licences now have roles allocated in the portal – typist or author
• Authors can switch from the old Olympus Dictation App to the new OM System ODMS Cloud Dictation app now

New ODMS Cloud portal for licence allocation, requests and licence configuration

Existing Olympus ODDS customers have had their accounts moved to the new ODMS Cloud portal. The Olympus ODDS portal was www.dictation-portal.com and admins required an Account ID and password to login.

**NOTE** If you already Administer an ODDS account (i.e. you can log in to www.dictation-portal.com) you can now login to the ODMS Cloud portal and view your transitioned licences.

The OM System ODMS Cloud portal for admins is odmscloud.omsystem.com and admins now log in using their email address and password, not Account ID. Two-factor authentication is enabled and you will receive a code via email to verify and complete the login process. You should be able to log in using your ODDS portal password and your admin email. If you do not remember the ODDS portal password request a password reset when trying to log in.

**ACTION** Please enable dealer management as soon as you log in to the new ODMS Cloud portal, this will allow Dictate Australia to help you manage your licences and better answer any licence-related questions. Enable this via the Account tab in the ODMS Cloud portal by ticking Dealer Management and saving the change:

Licences can be purchased in advance and stored until required

Unlike ODDS where licences needed to be flagged a month before expiry and invoices received for flagged licences throughout year, with ODMS Cloud you can pre-purchase licences that will be auto-allocated (if you select this option for your individual licences) to your authors and typists on expiry. This allows you to order enough licences for the year in one transaction. Licences can be removed from users (e.g. if they leave) and are stored in your licence pool along with the licence’s remaining days ready to be allocated to other users. ODMS Cloud licences remain the same price as old ODDS licences.

At any point in time, you will be able to see your licences and how they are stored, allocated and if any are coming up for renewal.

No more email/FTP/OneDrive file transfer in ODMS Cloud

This is the biggest change from ODDS to ODMS Cloud and the one that will have the biggest impact. Using the ODMS Cloud Dictation App (the replacement for the Olympus Dictation App) audio is only transferred from author to typist in the cloud. That means that for authors nothing much really changes, they dictate as usual and send to server and their job is done while they wait for the transcription. Typists must have an ODMS Cloud typist licence. What does that mean?

If you use in-house typists who use the ODMS R7 Transcription Module installed on their PC they will no longer be able to use that to transcribe audio from ODMS Cloud created by the ODMS Dictation app. They will need an ODMS Cloud typist role licence, they will need to be associated with authors via workflow in the ODMS Cloud portal and they will need the free ODMS Cloud Windows Desktop app (from the Microsoft Store) or the ODMS Cloud Mac Desktop app which can be downloaded from here.

Note that the RS-31H pedal (which most Olympus typists will have already) and the new OM System RS-31N pedal are both compatible with ODMS Cloud for Transcription typists. This also means that transcription typists can work from anywhere on any internet-connected Mac or PC using their pedal.

But, if you use an outsourced transcription service either via FTP or email you will need to have a difficult conversation with them. As at the time of writing, we don’t see any way to download the audio from the ODMS Cloud other than by using the OM System ODMS Cloud transcription licence (with the ODMS Cloud desktop app for macOS and Windows). This means typists at your outsourcer will need one or more typists’ licences.

Pricing remains the same for ODMS Cloud licences as for ODDS licences

The good news is the price remains the same moving from the old ODDS system to the new. An ODMS Cloud licence for an author or typist will be $199 incl. GST for one year. As mentioned above these licences can be purchased in advance and sit in your licence pool ready to be allocated, either automatically or manually via the portal. As an admin in the ODMS Cloud portal you will not need a licence unless you also act as an author or typist.

Licences you had in the old ODDS system have been migrated to ODMS Cloud so you will not need to re-buy any licences but instead look at purchasing some for your licence pool to cover any up-and-coming licences expiring.

Authors can switch from the old Olympus Dictation App to the new OM System ODMS Cloud app now … but !

As all ODDS licences have been migrated to the new ODMS Cloud portal your authors can swap to the new ODMS Cloud app. But before they do this you must have a typist or typist licence allocated in the portal and must have linked your authors to typists or typist groups. If an author is not linked to typists or typist groups their audio will be uploaded and will go unassigned. The authors will be able to see when their transcription is in progress and is finished in both the ODMS Cloud app and when logged into the ODMS Cloud portal. The transitioned licences from ODDS will look like below in ODMS Cloud, notice how no Transcription Group or typist is allocated and the email is already verified (right column):

Before an author can sign into their ODMS Cloud app using their email they must first set a password. This can be done via the ODMS Cloud portal – https://odmscloud.omsystem.com – by selecting to first sign in then selecting forgot password where they will be prompted for their email address. The author should then click Send verification code and they will be instructed via email of the code and how to set their password. Once set users can login to both the portal and the ODMS Cloud app using these credentials.

The above is a lot to take in, especially if like most, you have been using the Olympus ODDS system for a few years. Please leave any comments/questions on this post or contact us at sales@dictate.com.au

What’s New?

OM System DS-9100

Like the older Olympus DS-9000 comes in both kit (with a cradle) or recorder-only options. The same great dictation experience with smooth slider switch, crisp and clean audio (perfect for whatever speech-to-text you are using) and all the features you would expect in a professional digital dictaphone. The biggest change is the software, no more locally installed licenced software, now you get an ODMS Cloud licence with the OM System DS-9100.

You will still need to install some software, it’s free and doesn’t need a licence, to allow the DS-9100 to communicate with the cloud. The software can be installed on macOS or Windows and is called ODMS Cloud Desktop app, available in the Microsoft Store.

For security-conscious customers in Australia, the DS-9100 will still create encrypted .ds2 audio files and they will be stored in country in Australia.

As posted in our blog a few days ago Olympus Dictation Delivery Service ODDS App End-of-Life March 2025 news is starting to come to light about what OM System (the new name for Olympus in the audio world) has planned.

Too many acronyms in this blog posts title, this is what they mean:

• ODDS = Olympus Dictation Delivery Service
• ODMS = Olympus Dictation Management System

What we know so far (from information we are gathering from overseas so may be subject to change in Australia)

• ODMS Cloud Australia will be the new solution – a cloud hosted dictation and transcription workflow, and yes, there will be a solution hosted in Australia so confidential encrypted audio will stay in country.
• Existing installed Olympus Pro Windows software – currently ODMS R7 (both Dictation Module (DM) and Transcription Module (TM)) Standalone, SCP & Workgroup software will be discontinued and replaced by ODMS Cloud.
• Olympus Standard software for Windows – DSS Player Standard – will be replaced by ODMS R8 Standalone (at Dictate Australia we don’t see many people use this version of the software).
• Mac users, no more Olympus software for you installed locally. macOS users will be recommended to use ODMS Cloud – this makes sense, the current installed macOS Olympus software has lagged behind the Windows equivalent for year.

The following Olympus products will be discontinued from April 2025:

• ODDS iOS and Android app and the associated licence
• ODMS R7 Standalone – if you install a few of these in your practice you know how painful it is to keep track of software licence keys
• ODMS R7 Workgroup & SCP – Used by a few larger practice and government agencies to manage larger numbers of devices and software installs. This will be good news for existing MUL (multi-user licence) holders
• DSS Player Standard software for Windows
• DSS Player Plus v7 for macOS

New OM Systems digital dictaphones coming after April 2024

• New OM Systems DS-9110 (will likely replace professional dictaphone DS-9000 & DS-9500). We are guessing these will either include some kind of ODMS Cloud licence or require one to be purchased.
• New OM Systems DS-2700 (will likely replace the standard dictaphone DS-2600). We are guessing that this will be for people who do not what to use the ODMS Cloud and prefer a local software install, assuming will be ODMS R8.
• The above two, we know the model names, we don’t know the software so stay tuned.

What About Olympus ODDS Dictation App Users?

The existing portal – dictation-portal.com – will be replaced with a new and much easier to navigate user interface, queue sigh of relief from office and practice managers with multiple licences which all expire at different dates!

Advanced dictation routing – admins can easily configure dictation workflow. Typist away for the day? No problem route to another typist or team (think another office location, or specialist team).

The App licence will be unified, meaning if you have the smartphone app and a physical dictaphone they will be covered under the one author login. It is not known yet if this applies only to the new DS-9100 model dictaphone coming soon and the current models (DS-9000 and DS-9500) … our guess is it will cover current and new, its just a guess at the moment.

What about security, it’s Cloud after all?

Firstly there will be an Australian shard, so data will stay in country. We also know that the usual security requirements will be in place:

• HTTPS so end to end encryption
• Two-Factor (TFA/MFA) authentication
• Support for encrypted audio file format – .ds2 – the standard for legal and medical dictation
• Support for non-encrypted file formats – .dss .wav & .mp3 – they are still encrypted during transfer but the file formats themselves do not lend themselves to individual file encryption
• ODMS Cloud will be managed by ISO 14001 certified partners by OM Systems
• GDPR compliant which feeds globally to other geos, like Australia’s, requirements for PII data

New Dictation App to replace the current Olympus Dictation App

Coming soon to an app store near you .. iOS and Android .. will be the replacement Olympus Dictation App. It will have the same functionality enjoyed by existing app users, ie. rewind/review audio, insert/override, dictate from anywhere, send seamlessly, encrypted audio etc etc.

The smartphone dictation app will integrate with ODMS Cloud and route audio based on what is set in the portal by your admin/office manager/practice manager. The status of the audio dictation can be monitored from the app – so know when that urgent dictation is being worked on and how far through transcription your typist is.

Functionality of the new ODMS Cloud App will include:

• 256-bit AES Encrypted DS2 files
• Record with file/edit capabilities (insert and overwrite)
• VCVA (voice activation)
• Play, rewind and fast forward
• Work-type lists and author ID
• Text comments to accompany recordings
• Browse files in ODMS Cloud
• Assign dictations according to your organisation’s workflow options
• Bluetooth microphone support
• Adjustable microphone sensitivity
• 4 languages available (English, German, French, Spanish)
• iOS & Android compatible
• Direct upload to Cloud

Notice anything missing from the list? Speech to Text, the elephant in the room. It is early days and we at Dictate Australia don’t know a lot of the details yet. I am sure this is something very high on OM System’s roadmap if not in development already. We will see where this goes.

How do we migrate from our existing ODDS licence and app to the new ODMS Cloud

Currently we don’t know. We will be working closely with OM Systems Australia in the coming weeks to navigate what is needed and to help our customers with the transition so that it is as painless and simple as possible. More updates when we get them.

What will ODMS Cloud cost in Australia?

Again, this is an unknown for us until we get those details from OM Systems. We do know it will be a subscription again, we don’t know the terms if it stays a one year or if options are available for a longer term with built in longevity discounts. As this licence now covers an app and connectivity for a physical dictaphone this may have an influence on price. Hopefully, also existing licences for those of you with more than one will be co-termed so they all expire on the same date – fingers crossed on that one!

Frustrated with Apple’s built-in Dictation in macOS? Still looking for an old copy of MacSpeech Dictate to install? Freaked out by the idea of installing a Windows virtual machine to run Windows and limp along with the Dragon NaturallySpeaking bloatware for Windows? Finally, a modern, slick and highly accurate solution has arrived thanks to Philips.

In today’s dynamic digital era, professionals across various industries seek efficient solutions for managing documentation and streamlining workflows. The Philips SpeechLive macOS Desktop App, recently released in December 2023 emerges as a powerful tool, revolutionising how individuals work with speech recognition and transcription services.

Let’s explore the functionality, use cases, and licensing essentials of this innovative application.

Unveiling the Philips SpeechLive macOS Desktop App

Tailored for macOS users, the Philips SpeechLive macOS Desktop app offers a comprehensive suite of tools for dictation, transcription, and document management. Developed by Philips, a global leader in voice solutions, the app integrates advanced technology to simplify document creation processes, enhance productivity, and foster collaboration among professionals.

Key Features and Functionality

Seamless Dictation and Transcription

The core functionality of the Philips SpeechLive macOS Desktop app revolves around seamless dictation and transcription capabilities. Users can effortlessly dictate their thoughts, ideas, and documents using their voice, leveraging advanced speech recognition technology for accurate and efficient transcription. Whether composing emails, drafting reports, or creating legal documents, the app’s intuitive interface ensures smooth dictation and transcription, minimising errors and maximising productivity.

Australian Cloud-Based Storage and Accessibility – Conforms to the Strictest Data Sovereignty and Confidentiality Standards

A standout feature of the Philips SpeechLive platform is its cloud-based infrastructure, enabling users to access documents from anywhere, at any time. With the macOS Desktop app, all dictations and transcriptions are securely stored in the cloud, eliminating the need for local storage and ensuring seamless synchronization across devices. Whether working from the office, home, on holiday (yes we know that happens all too often) or on the go, users can access and manage documents with ease.

Collaboration and Workflow Management

Designed to streamline collaboration and workflow management, the Philips SpeechLive macOS Desktop app facilitates efficient communication and document sharing among team members. Built-in collaboration features allow users to share dictations and transcriptions with colleagues, clients, or collaborators for real-time feedback and collaboration. Whether working on team projects, conducting interviews, or coordinating legal proceedings, the app empowers users to work effectively and efficiently.

Customization and Integration

The Philips SpeechLive macOS Desktop App offers extensive customization and integration options to meet diverse professional needs. Users can personalise dictation settings, adjust transcription preferences, and customize workflows according to specific requirements. Moreover, the app seamlessly integrates with popular productivity tools and software platforms, enhancing interoperability and efficiency.

Licensing Essentials

To access the full functionality of the Philips SpeechLive macOS Desktop app, users are required to obtain a suitable SpeechLive license. The licensing model is a subscription-based plan that is tailored to individual or organisational needs. Speak to us at Dictate Australia to help with licencing and functionality questions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Philips SpeechLive macOS Desktop app is a game-changing solution for Mac professionals seeking to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and improve accessibility in document creation and management. With its intuitive interface, robust features, and seamless integration capabilities, the app empowers users to harness the power of speech recognition and transcription technology effectively.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, legal practitioner, journalist, or business executive, the SpeechLive macOS Desktop app is a valuable tool for maximising productivity and unlocking your full potential in the digital age.

The Olympus (a.k.a. OM Systems) digital dictation app for Apple iOS and Android, underpinned by ODDS licences managed in the Olympus Dictation Portal – dictation-portal.com – is set to be discontinued by Olympus globally at the end of March 2025.

To summarise the below:

• A message will appear on the Olympus Dictation App from 4th March, 2024 to advise of changes to the existing Olympus mobile dictation system which will affect both Authors dictating with the app and the practice and office managers who administer the app for their users
• The Olympus Dictation App & the ODDS system will be discontinued 31st March, 2025
• New licence requests and more importantly existing ODDS licence renewal can only be flagged for renewal up until March 27th, 2024 (in just under four weeks at the time of writing this post)
• If your ODDS licence expires after 31st March, 2024 you will need to buy new licences for the new Olympus system .. see dealer comments below on this

From the 4th March, 2024 users of the Olympus Dictation App (who have updated to the latest version v2.2.2), there are many, will start to receive the below message when they use the Olympus Dictation app which will read:

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

Thank you for using the Olympus Dictation Delivery Service (ODDS). 

The ODDS is scheduled to end on March 31, 2025. OM System will release our newest service in April 2024. Due to the end of service date for the ODDS, you will no longer be able to order new licenses or renew your existing licenses from the Olympus Dictation Portal beginning March 27, 2024. Please contact your OM System professional audio dealer for information and assistance with updating to our new service.

If you wish to continue using the ODDS until the end of the service, please consider renewing your licenses before March 26, 2024. The procedure for renewing licenses differs depending on the expiration date. For details, please refer to the following.

Renewing licenses with an expiration date after March 27, 2024.

Because the ODDS Licenses will not be available for purchase after March 27, 2024, please consider purchasing new licenses before that date and manually assign them to your users.

Renewing licenses with an expiration date before March 26, 2024.

Please make sure to flag your licenses for renewal by March 13, 2024. After this date, you will no longer be able to flag the license for renewal.

Olympus dealers in Australia will be receiving information on the changes from Olympus on 19th & 20th March, 2024 leaving just over two weeks until we know what is happening. At present we do not know:

• What the name and functionality of the new system is?
• What the pricing model is?
• How users will be transitioned from the old system to the new?
• Will the app cover iOS and Android at launch?
• What role office and practice managers will continue to play in licence management?
• How will the new Olympus Dictation App integrate with existing or new Olympus Dictation/Transcription software?

So, if you have an Olympus ODDS licence with the Olympus Dictation App and your licence expires before 27th March, 2024 you will be able to renew for another year before you need to consider a change. For all other users, stay tuned for updates on what’s new and how we will help minimise any impact on your business during the transition.

Please email any questions to sales@dictate.com.au and we will answer your questions.

Dictate Australia has been an Olympus Dealer since 2001 and is also a Philips Dealer covering the physical dictaphones and the Speechlive Cloud Dictation, Transcription and Speech to Text solution.

Olympus Dictation Portal – Important Announcement

Now appearing on the Olympus Dictation portal website – www.dictation-portal.com – notifying Olympus ODDS administrators of the upcoming end-of-life for Olympus Dictation Delivery Service

SpeechExec Pro Transcribe v12 is now available. Want to try the software free for 30 days? Click here for information.

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Philips SpeechExec Transcribe v11 for Windows 11 & 10

Philips Dictation Australia via their Speech brand continues to move forward in its drive toward enabling authors and typists to work autonomously and from anywhere. Having fully embraced the cloud as the infrastructure behind their dictation, speech-to-text and transcription workflow Speechlive software, traditional transcription typists can also benefit from their locally installed Windows 11 (and 10) compatible transcription typing software called Buy Philips SpeechExec Transcribe Pro v11 Licence

What does the Philips SpeechExec Transcribe software help you do?

Philips SpeechExec Transcribe Pro v11 (part number LFH4512) … rolls off the tongue doesn’t it … is transcription typing software. It is used by transcription typists to receive digital dictation audio files and while listening to the audio lets them type what they hear. The software has audio playback controls that let the transcriptionist speed up/slow down/rewind slightly the audio while they listen and type. The audio can be adjusted by the typist either using hotkeys (typically pre-configured F keys on the keyboard) or more commonly using a transcription typing foot pedal control switch which allows the typist to use their foot to tap pedals and control the audio playback.

Just need a transcription typing pedal?

The Philips ACC2330 Transcription Typing Foot Switch Pedal is the recommended foot control switch for Philips SpeechExec Transcribe.

The ACC2330 is a USB connected pedal with four configurable switches.

Want a pedal and a transcription typing headset?

The Philips ACC2330 transcription typing pedal can also be purchased along with a specialised transcription typing headset (Philips LFH0334) and headset USB connector (Philips LFH9034) in a kit called the Philips Transcription Typing Hardware Kit – Part LFH5220

Need everything to be set up as a professional transcription typist?

Finally, you can buy everything you need to be a professional transcription typist in a ready to go kit.

The Philips Transcription Kit includes everything you need; the Philips SpeechExec Transcribe licence key LFH4512 valid for two years from activation, the Philips ACC2330 transcription typing pedal and a transcriptionist headset LFH0334, you can see the kit here ->  Philips Transcription Kit – LFH7277

What is the Philips SpeechExec Transcribe Licence Model?

The Philips SpeechExec Transcribe licence is a subscription licence. Before you roll your eyes and go “not another subscription” remember this is a key business expense and essential if you are a professional transcription typist. Just as essential as your Windows operating system, your Word processor, your email etc. The subscription lasts for two years and during that term you will get any and all feature and bug updates as and when they are released by Philips, you will always be entitled to the latest version.

Install and use Philips SpeechExec Transcribe Pro v11 FREE for 30 days on a trial.

Install SpeechExec Transcribe on as many PC’s as you like !

The best bit about this licence model, you can install and use the SpeechExec Transcribe on as many PC’s as you like, making work from home a breeze. When you install the software with the two year licence key you will need to sign up for a free Philips Speech ID. It is how Philips link the licence to you and will allow you to login and use SpeechExec Transcribe on the PC that you are currently working on, be that the office, at home, on holiday or wherever you are.

What audio formats can be played by Philips SpeechExec Transcribe?

As you would expect SpeechExec Transcribe covers the open format audio file formats, .wma – .wav – .mp3 but also the specialised digital dictation audio formats like the older .dss (Digital Speech Sound) and newer .ds2 (Digital Speech Sound Pro) format which can have individual file encryption. This is why the .ds2 audio format is preferred by legal and medical authors as their dictation is usually confidential.

If you are a typist just starting out and have been using the free (but no support, constant ads, bloatware) Express Scribe software then it is time to get serious about your job. Express Scribe can not play .ds2 audio files and can also not decrypt encrypted .ds2 audio files. Why not? Because the .ds2 audio format is owned by Philips, Olympus and Grundig. If you plan to transcribe for lawyers, barristers, doctors, surgeons or anyone in the legal or medical field you will need software that can play .ds2 audio files.

Need the tech specs for SpeechExec Transcribe? You can find them on the Philips Dictation Australia website.

Can I Use SpeechExec Transcribe instead of the Web Player in Speechlive?

Yes you can. Speechlive is Philips cloud dictation and transcription workflow solution, it is fast becoming Australia’s (and the rest of the world) leading digital voice solution. Transcription typists can transcribe audio using the Speechlive web player, essentially just playing the audio via a browser. If you are used to locally installed Transcription software you may prefer SpeechExec Transcribe instead of the web player. SpeechExec Transcribe can be linked to your Speechlive typist account, when you install SpeechExec Transcribe just select the Speechlive option:

Note, there is a cost for using SpeechExec Transcribe with Speechlive which is cheaper than just a standalone SpeechExec Transcribe two year licence. Contact your Philips Dictation Australia Dealer to enable this in your Speechlive account.