Chapter 6
Using Voice Control

Now that you've trained commands in Simon's vocabulary, you're ready to control an application by voice. We'll take you step-by-step through voice control using Simon Says and Workspace as our tutorial applications.

Visual Feedback

Simon has an interactive icon that provides important visual feedback. The name of the currently active application, or level, is displayed near the bottom of the icon. In addition, Simon's facial expression changes after you speak a command. He'll let you know if he's listening or not listening, and if he understands or does not understand a command. The ªFour Faces of Simonº appear below:

, ªI get itº Simon understands the spoken command.

,ªI don't get itº Simon doesn't understand the command
																				or the command spoken is not in Simon's vocabulary.

,ªListen upº Simon is listening for commands.

,ªCover your earsº Simon is not currently listening.

When you're first learning to use voice control, it's important to watch how Simon's icon changes in response to your commands. The feedback will be invaluable and help you to quickly master voice control. 

Controlling an Application by Voice

Except for Simon Says, we recommend that you quit or hide all currently active applications before starting this tutorial. Since this is probably your first time controlling applications by voice, a clear workspace will make things easier to understand. 

1.	Click Listening in the SimonSays menu under Commands. 
Simon enters Listening mode.

After training, Simon needs a little time to process the new commands in his vocabularyhe calls this Thinking. Watch the icon so you'll know when he's finished. 

Note: Once Simon's vocabulary is trained, Simon Says automatically enters Listening mode and hides when launched. To unhide Simon Says, double-click Simon's icon when the application is running. 

2.	When Simon is finished Thinking about the new words in his vocabulary, the Listen up icon is displayed indicating Simon is listening for commands. 

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The word None indicates a command has not yet been spoken. 

3.	To make sure Simon is listening, say ªSimon.º 
If Simon understands, the I get it icon is displayed.

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After a few seconds, Simon's icon changes to Listen up. Simon is waiting for another command.

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If the command was not understood, Simon's icon displays I don't get it.

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Say ªSimonº again. Remember to speak in your natural voice. 

4.	Say ªCover_your_ears.º Simon's icon displays Cover your ears.

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When Simon's ears are covered, he listens only for the command to uncover his earseither ªSimonº or ªSimon, listen up.º The default is ªSimon, listen upº and can be changed in the Preferences panel.

The ªCover_Your_Earsº command can be very useful, especially if you need to answer the telephone or speak with a co-worker. When Simon's ears are covered there is less chance he will misunderstand the words or phrases in your conversation as commands. 

5.	Say ªSimon.º After the word Simon is displayed on the icon, say ªlisten_upº. 

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Simon is again listening for all commands. 

6.	Say ªWorkspace.º 
Workspace is activated and its menu appears on screen. 

7.	Say ªConsole.º 
A console window is opened. 

8.	Say ªClose_Window.º 
The console window is closed. 

9.	Say ªListing.º 
The commands in the File Viewer are displayed in list format. 

10.	Say ªBrowser.º 
The commands in the File Viewer are displayed in browser format. 

11.	Say ªSimon_Says.º 
Simon Says is activated and its menu appears on screen. 

12.	Say ªContact_Metrosoft.º 
The Contact Metrosoft panel appears on screen. 

13.	Say ªSimon.º 

14.	After the word Simon is displayed on the icon, say ªCover_Your_Ears.º

Congratulations! You've successfully used voice commands to control an application. We'd like to know how your first experience went. Take a few moments to type your comments or suggestions in the Contact Metrosoft panel, then send them to us via fax or email.

To control other applications by voice, follow the same steps that you just did for Simon Says and Workspace.