Introducing Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10.1

The Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10.1 upgrade is now available for Standard and Preferred and Professional.

What’s new in DNS 10.1? The DNS 10.1 upgrade introduces the following functionality:

• Installs and runs on Microsoft Vista 64-bit systems
• Extends Dragon’s Web capabilities to Internet Explorer 8 and Mozilla Firefox 3
• Enhanced documentation, including a “Commands Quick Reference” sheet, updated Installation Guide and User’s Guide, as well as updated Help files and Tutorials

How do new customers buy 10.1?
The update is available as a free download so simply purchase a version 10.0 then download the upgrade.

How do customers get the upgrade?
Dragon 10.0 users can download the upgrade for free from here.

NOTE: A valid serial number is required to download Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10.1.

Is this the same as Dragon SP1?
This version upgrade should not be confused with Service Pack 1, which primarily focused on documentation updates and bug fixes. DNS 10.1 adds Vista 64 support along with additional features. The service pack is available as a download when you click Help, Check for updates in the Dragon Toolbar.

What is 64-bit?
Nuance announced that Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10.1 is available for Microsoft Vista 64-bit operating systems. But what is 64-bit, and why does it impact Dragon NaturallySpeaking?

The term 64-bit refers to the way a computer's processor (also called a CPU), handles information. 64-bit CPUs have existed in supercomputers since the 1960s and in high-end workstations and servers since the early 1990s. Recently, 64-bit PCs have been increasingly introduced to the mainstream personal computer arena, previously dominated by 32-bit systems. (In fact, the Microsoft Vista 64-bit operating system now ships on almost 1/3 of all new computers at some retailers.)

The benefit for PC users is that 64-bit versions of the Windows operating system can utilize more memory than 32-bit versions of Windows. In addition to overall program performance, 64-bit PCs can offer added responsiveness when running a lot of applications at the same time.

Many programs designed for a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows will work on a 64-bit PC without any changes. However, Dragon NaturallySpeaking relies on compatibility modules to enable deep integration with the operating system and with the user interface layer of other programs. Prior to the release of version 10.1, Dragon did not work in the 64-bit environment.

Although it is not a native 64-bit application, Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10.1 is specifically designed to function with many different operating systems, including Vista 64-bit PCs. In other words, with the introduction of version 10.1, you can now use the full functionality of Dragon regardless of whether you’re using a 32-bit or Vista 64-bit operating system.