Does this exist?
I would love to activate an iOS shortcut that instantly begins dictation, allows me to tap to stop dictation, and then pastes the transcript into a specified text field. For an added benefit, it would be great to view the live transcript to help maintain my train of thought.
I would like it to use the best available free offline transcription software (e.g. OpenAI Whisper) as well.
Inspirations include:
-
Whisper shortcut by Giacomo Melzi - online, very inexpensive, but not offline/live. Requires OpenAI API key ($0.006 / minute, thirty-six cents an hour)
-
Ecco Dictate app - offline (private!), but not live nor able to be opened and autostart via shortcut
(Here I’ll mention… If you have never used dictation beyond Apple’s built-in offering, it may be hard for you to imagine just how much you are missing 🙂 If Apple doesn’t catch up by iOS 18 I will send them such a firm yet polite piece of feedback!)
Note: Because my ideal solution is all but guaranteed to require an app and not just a shortcut, I’m mainly wondering if there is an app that supports shortcuts as described. Planning to reach out to the author of Ecco Dictate, perhaps after checking with you friendly folks.
Thank you!
UPDATE:
Near perfection found.
Free offline OpenAI Whisper transcription to clipboard for easy pasting in any app!
Aiko (link is to the shortcuts the developer provides)
(Apparently if you’re not on iOS 17.5 you need to use a workaround when launching these shortcuts using Siri by voice… Have to add Dismiss Siri And Continue + Open App action and have it Open Shortcuts.)
All that’s missing is live transcription, which is available with online/paid transcription apps but no offline apps I’ve found on iOS. (MacWhisper does feature live offline transcription in any field, but only on Mac for $30+.)
