Dragon Dictation: Obsolete, but can it still be installed in 2020?

[katewes]

I realise Dragon Dictate for Mac is now obsolete, but if I want to do a clean install of my Mac (Sierra, High Sierra), does anyone know if Dragon Dictate can still be installed in 2020?

I ask because often software, during installation, interacts via internet with the vendor's server, and hence I wonder if Nuance has cut off even the possibility of fresh installs in 2020?

 

[barbu]

I cannot help, but does MacOS not have in-built dictation? I realize it may not be feature-equal with Dragon but I imagine it must be at least as good, these days. Have you tested it?

 

[chscag]

I ask because often software, during installation, interacts via internet with the vendor's server, and hence I wonder if Nuance has cut off even the possibility of fresh installs in 2020?

I believe you're asking that after a clean install of Dragon Dictate if can be activated again so that you can use it? That's a question you need to inquire of Nuance. However, I can't imagine that they would just neglect the many users of Dragon Dictate by not allowing activations of previous purchased legal copies.

 

[katewes]

I believe you're asking that after a clean install of Dragon Dictate if can be activated again so that you can use it?

Yes, that's what I am asking (and I've edited my post to make that clearer).

 

[MacGizmo]

You'll likely get a faster response from the developer.

 

[katewes]

You'll likely get a faster response from the developer.

I contacted Nuance today, and we'll see if they keep to their reputation. I'll update this post if I get a reply from Nuance.

 

[katewes]

Nuance replied, suggesting to telephone their helpline. It sounds like it's not possible to activate regularly, and needs input from the help desk.

 

[barnos]

Amazingly, I've managed to get Dragon for mac 6.0.4 working with the big Sur operating system ... problem is it doesn't really work very well.

first, to get it working at all you have to create a brand-new profile..

then I found when you reload the software it crashes again unless you create a new profile..

I have found a kind of a workaround, in that you create two profiles.. and every time you load Dragon you switch from one to the other it works

unless you reboot your machine then you have to start the process again..

So, 2 questions, has anyone else found convenient workarounds to make this easier?

and of course the second question is there any alternatives .. Please don't suggest Macs inherent dictation features – they are just not up to the job

sad state of affairs that Nuance dropped the Mac community... I don't know who to blame – if anyone does, please let me know... and I will send them negative thoughts

many thanks for any suggestions or help –

 

[zedex]

I'm fine with NUANCE abandoning this software BUT failing to make legacy arrangements for customers that purchased MANY legal software licenses is nothing short of travesty.

For the record, on this day I tried to install DD version 4. The installation "works" in the sense that it completes and runs the full initial training program BUT it is in ACTIVATION that Dragon Dictate 4 refuses to validate with NUANCE servers.

I've purchased outright, full retail licenses for DD2, DD3, DD4, DD5 and DD6....... Aggravating in the extreme!!