Last year, Google released a simple recording app on the Pixel 4 that can rip real-time audio without even using the internet. Similarly, Otter.ai remains the first choice among professionals because of its ability to accurately reproduce audio. So how can Microsoft lag behind when everyone else is rolling out this sought-after feature? Redmond-giant now released an audio transcription feature and integrated directly into Microsoft Word. You can upload your voice or save it directly to MS Word to copy audio in minutes. So without any delay, let’s go ahead and learn how to record and transcribe audio in Microsoft Word.
Record Audio and Convert to Text in Microsoft Word
Before we move on to the steps, there are a few key points to keep in mind:
- The transcription feature in Microsoft Word is only a paid Microsoft 365 plan.
- Currently, only audio recordings in Microsoft Word English tongue.
- This feature is only available in: web version of Microsoft Word. It is scheduled to be released on Office Mobile by the end of the year. As for the offline MS Word application, there is no information about the timing of its release.
- Collectively, at most 5 hours of audio in a month. Also, an audio file should not be larger than 200 MB.
- Currently, it supports Copy in Microsoft Word .mp3, .wav.m4a and .mp4 files.
Convert Audio to Text in Microsoft Word
1. Open office.com Sign in in a web browser and with your Microsoft account. After that create a Word file.
2. Under the “Home” section “Dictation” option is in the far right corner. Click the arrow next to it and select “Translate”.
3. A mini pane will open on the right side. you can here or upload an audio file or recording directly using Microsoft Word.
4. Now, Microsoft Word will start copying the audio file using Azure Cognitive Services. artificial intelligence platform in the cloud.
5. After a while, you will have the transcription in the right pane. The best part is the AI service distinguish different sounds This helps to separate the transcription under multiple speakers.
6. Now, “Add all to document” and the transcription will be moved to your main Word file. You can also play the sound and edit anything out of place.
Audio Translation Available in Microsoft Word
This is how you can record and copy audio in Microsoft Word. Currently the service is only available in the web version, but I expect Microsoft to bring this sought-after feature to native apps as well. Also, it could have been better if Microsoft offered audio transcription to free users with a shorter time limit.
The addition of this new feature is welcome though, and it puts the word Microsoft a notch above its alternatives. Anyway, that’s it for us. If you found the article helpful, comment below and let us know.
