Dictation
- Manually activated, user-initiated
- Transcribes specific, structured information that is spoken directly and clearly
- Requires user engagement that interrupts workflow
- Focused accuracy that requires clear user input
- Requires explicit commands
- Lower privacy concerns as the user controls when to record
Ambient Listening
- Passive, always-on background listening
- Captures natural conversations in real time and adapts to different speech patterns or tones
- No user or workflow interruption
- Contextual accuracy that uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) to interpret conversations
- Listens for cues to automatically generate notes, alerts or actions without explicit commands
- Must manage privacy carefully