Intelligent personal assistant & dictation software
Braina is a virtual assistant[1][2] and speech-to-text dictation[3] application for Microsoft Windows developed by Brainasoft.[4] Braina uses natural language interface,[5] speech synthesis, and speech recognition technology[6] to interact with its users and allows them to use natural language sentences to perform various tasks on a computer in most languages of the world. The name Braina is a short form of “Brain Artificial”.[7][8]
Braina is marketed as a Microsoft Copilot alternative.[9] It provides a voice interface for several large language models, including GPT-3.5, GPT-4, Gemini Pro, Anthropic's Claude 2.1, and Mistral Small/Medium, while attempting to improve data privacy.[7] Braina also allows responses from its in-house large language models like Braina, Braina Swift, and Braina Pinnacle.[10] It has an "Artificial Brain"[7] feature that provides persistent memory support for supported LLMs. [11]
Features
Braina provides a single window environment to control computer and carry out various tasks.[12] Braina can take commands inputted through typing or speech recognition.[3] Braina adapts to user behavior over time and better anticipate needs.[4][12]
Speech to text dictation
Braina Pro can type the spoken words into the active window at the location of the cursor.[13][12][14] Braina supports around 100 languages for speech to text dictation.[2][7][15][12] It is able to isolate the recognition of a user's voice from any disturbing environmental factors, such as background noise,[16] other human voices, or external devices. Braina can also be used to dictate legal, medical and scientific jargons.[12][17] Users can also teach Braina uncommon names and vocabulary.[14] Users can edit or correct dictated text without using a keyboard or mouse by giving built-in voice commands.[12]
Text to speech
Braina can read selected text or e-books.[4][12]
Custom commands & automation
Braina can automate computer tasks.[18] It lets users create custom voice commands to perform tasks like opening files, programs or websites, check email, perform a keyboard or mouse macro etc.[4][19][20]
Transcription
The software can transcribe audio and video media file formats like wav, mp3, mp4 etc. to text.[21]
Notes
Braina can store and recall notes. Notes may include to-do items, chat conversations, memos, website snippets, website bookmarks, contacts, ideas etc.[12][22]
Reminders & scheduled tasks
Users can set an alarm, reminder or schedule commands with the help of Braina. [4][12]
Generate images from text
Brainasoft states that Braina can generate images from text using text to image models like Stable Diffusion, Dall-E etc.[23]
Miscellaneous
Braina can find information on web, search files, search and play music, perform mathematics, and control open windows or programs.[12][19][4][24]
Distributions
Braina is distributed in multiple modes. These include Braina Lite, a freeware version with limitations,[3] and premium versions Braina Pro,[12] Pro Plus, and Pro Ultra.[28]
Some additional features in the Pro version include dictation, custom vocabulary,[16] video transcription, automation,[3] custom voice commands, and persistent LLM memory.
Reception
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adding to it. (January 2024)
TechRadar has consistently listed Braina as one of the best speech to text and virtual assistant apps between 2015 and 2024.[4][29][30][31]
