More workers are whispering to computers as dictation apps spread

In short: More people are using dictation apps to talk to their computers at work, and it is starting to change how offices sound and feel.

What's going on

A growing number of workers are speaking, not typing, when they use their computers. This comes from the rising popularity of dictation apps, which turn spoken words into text.

TechCrunch points to a Wall Street Journal feature that highlighted Wispr, a dictation app that can connect to newer coding tools that respond to plain instructions. Think of it like telling a coworker what you want, instead of writing out every step, except the “coworker” is software.

Some investors and founders say this shift is already noticeable in startup offices. One venture capitalist said visiting these offices now feels like walking into a high-end call center. Edward Kim, co-founder of Gusto, told his team that future offices may sound “more like a sales floor,” because more people will be talking to machines throughout the day.

Not everyone finds it comfortable. Kim said he only types when he has to, but also called constant dictation “a little awkward.” AI entrepreneur Mollie Amkraut Mueller said her husband got annoyed by her new habit of whispering to her computer, so they sometimes work in different rooms.

Wispr founder Tanay Kothari argued that talking to computers will likely feel normal over time, similar to how it became normal to spend hours looking at a phone.

What to watch

If dictation keeps spreading, offices may need new etiquette, like clearer rules about quiet areas, calls, and privacy. It could also push more people toward headphones and small meeting rooms, just to get a sentence out without bothering coworkers.

Source: TechCrunch AI