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. The name Braina is a short form of "Brain Artificial".[7][8]

Braina
Developer(s)Brainasoft
Operating systemWindows
Available inEnglish
Type
LicenseProprietary
Websitewww.brainasoft.com/braina/

Braina is marketed as a Microsoft Copilot alternative.[9] It provides a voice interface for several locally run[10] and cloud large language models, including GPT-4o, Gemini 1.5 Pro, Anthropic's Claude Sonnet and Opus, Meta's Llama 3, and Mistral, while attempting to improve data privacy.[7] Braina also allows responses from its in-house large language models like Braina Swift and Braina Pinnacle.[11] It has an "Artificial Brain"[7] feature that provides persistent memory support for supported LLMs.[12]

Features

edit

Braina provides is able to carry out various tasks on a computer, including automation.[13][14] Braina can take commands inputted through typing or through dictation[3][15][13][16] to store reminders, find information online, perform mathematical operations, open files, generate images from text, transcribe speech, and control open windows or programs.[17][18][4][19] Braina adapts to user behavior over time with a goal of better anticipating needs.[13]

Speech-to-text dictation

edit

Braina Pro can type spoken words into an active window at the location of a user's cursor.[15][13][16] Its speech recognition technology supports more than 100 languages and dialects[2][7][20][13] and is able to isolate the recognition of a user's voice from disturbing environmental factors such as background noise,[21] other human voices, or external devices. Braina can also be taught to dictate uncommon legal, medical, and scientific terms.[13][22] Users can also teach Braina uncommon names and vocabulary.[16] Users can edit or correct dictated text without using a keyboard or mouse by giving built-in voice commands.[13]

Text-to-speech

edit

Braina can read aloud selected texts, such as e-books.[4][13]

Custom commands and automation

edit

Braina can automate computer tasks.[14] It lets users create custom voice commands to perform tasks such as opening files, programs, websites, or emails, as well as executing keyboard or mouse macros.[4][23][24][13][25]

Transcription

edit

Braina can transcribe media file formats such as WAV, MP3, and MP4 into text.[26]

Notes and reminders

edit

Braina can store and recall notes and reminders. These can include scheduled or unscheduled commands, checklist items, alarms, chat conversations, memos, website snippets, bookmarks, contacts.[13][4][27]

Image generation

edit

Brainasoft states that Braina can generate images from text using text-to-image models including Stable Diffusion and DALL-E.[28]

Platforms

edit

In addition to the desktop version for Windows operating systems,[28] Braina is also available for the iOS and Android operating systems.[29][3][30]

The mobile version of Braina has a feature allowing remote management of a Windows PC connected via Wi-Fi.[31]

Distributions

edit

Braina is distributed in multiple modes. These include Braina Lite, a freeware version with limitations,[3] and premium versions Braina Pro,[13] Pro Plus, and Pro Ultra.[32]

Some additional features in the Pro version include dictation, custom vocabulary,[21] video transcription, automation,[3] custom voice commands, and persistent LLM memory.

Reception

edit

TechRadar has consistently listed Braina as one of the best dictation and virtual assistant apps between 2015 and 2024.[4][33][34][35]

In addition to TechRadar's recognition, Digital Trends has highlighted Braina as a top multipurpose dictation program, emphasizing its versatility beyond simple speech-to-text functions.[36]

References

edit
  1. ^ King, Leo (15 December 2015). "Top 8 virtual personal assistants". Raconteur. Archived from the original on 26 July 2023.
  2. ^ a b Igor Bošnjak; Luka Šaravanja; Eva Čuljak; Željko Stojkić (2021). "Planning and implementation of Digital Assistance System at University of Mostar Learning Factory". 11th Conference on Learning Factories, CLF2021 (2021). SSRN: 3–4. doi:10.2139/ssrn.3858378. S2CID 242604709.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Free Artificial Intelligence (AI) software for your PC". ZDNet. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Mark Pickavance (21 April 2022). "Braina Pro review". Future plc. Retrieved 2023-08-09.
  5. ^ Vladimir A. Fomichov; Alexander A. Razorenov (2014). "The Design of A Natural Language Interface for File System Operations on the basis of a Structured Meanings Model". Procedia Computer Science. 31 (2014). Elsevier: 1005–1011. doi:10.1016/j.procs.2014.05.353.
  6. ^ "Braina Speech Recognition Software". Braina. Retrieved 2023-09-20.
  7. ^ a b c d Robert Ciesla (14 January 2024). The Current Era of Chatbots, From ELIZA to ChatGPT. Springer Publishing. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-51004-5_4.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  8. ^ "Braina Homepage". Retrieved 2015-01-10.
  9. ^ "Microsoft Copilot Alternative for PC". Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  10. ^ "Run LLM locally on PC". Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  11. ^ "ChatGPT for PC". Retrieved 2023-08-09.
  12. ^ "Persistent Memory for LLM – Personal AI". Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Analysing Braina - An intelligent personal assistant". Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  14. ^ a b Clifford Chi. "8 Voice-to-Text Software That'll Help You Work Faster". Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  15. ^ a b "Dictation software for PC". Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  16. ^ a b c Stacey Nguyen. "8 Voice-to-Text Software That'll Help You Work Faster". Lifewire. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  17. ^ Joel Lee (25 June 2015). "Windows 10 Transformation Pack Gives a Facelift to Windows 7 & 8". MakeUseOf. Retrieved 2015-06-28.
  18. ^ "Braina Music – Search and Listen to Song". Braina. Retrieved 2018-03-29.
  19. ^ Joel Lee (25 June 2015). "Windows 10 Transformation Pack Gives a Facelift to Windows 7 & 8". MakeUseOf. Retrieved 2015-06-28.
  20. ^ "Best Free Artificial Intelligence software for Windows 11/10". 18 April 2022. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  21. ^ a b Gaojian Huang; Brandon J. Pitts, Ph.D. (2019). "Automated Speech Recognition Technology to Support in Flight Weather Related Communication for GA Pilots". 20th International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, 468–473 (2019). Wright State University: 469.
  22. ^ Dr. Kader Sara Esther; Eckert, Anne M.; Dr. Gural-Toth (2021). "Voice-to-Text Technology for Patients with Hearing Loss". The Hearing Journal. 74 (2). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: 11, 14, 15. doi:10.1097/01.HJ.0000734212.09840.d7.
  23. ^ Neeraj Paruthi (15 September 2021). "Why Braina Is My Preferred Virtual Assistant on Windows". Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  24. ^ Daniel Martin (24 March 2021). "Best dictation software". Digital Trends. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  25. ^ "Self operating computer with advanced AI automation". Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  26. ^ "Automatic Video & Audio Transcription". Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  27. ^ "Note taking with voice commands". Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  28. ^ a b "Braina – Artificial Intelligence Software for Windows". www.brainasoft.com.
  29. ^ "Braina PC Remote Voice Control – Apps on Google Play". Play Store.
  30. ^ "Braina – Voice Control PC". App Store. 15 February 2018.
  31. ^ Darren Allan (16 August 2017). "I dieci migliori software di riconoscimento vocale del 2017". techradar.com. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017.
  32. ^ "Download Braina Virtual Assistant". Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  33. ^ "Best speech-to-text app of 2024". 29 September 2021. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  34. ^ Turner, Brian (29 September 2021). "Best speech-to-text apps of 2022". TechRadar. Archived from the original on 8 October 2022.
  35. ^ Turner, Brian (29 September 2021). "Best speech-to-text apps of 2021". TechRadar. Archived from the original on 30 October 2021.
  36. ^ "Best dictation software". Digital Trends. 2021-03-24. Retrieved 2024-11-02.