TalkTastic

What TalkTastic is

TalkTastic is a voice keyboard for entering text in macOS apps. It transcribes speech and can use context from the app on screen to format or rewrite the text. Recording can begin through a keyboard shortcut, a cursor shortcut, or the menu bar. The app can paste a result into the active text field automatically, or let the user select text for insertion. It works in macOS apps where text can be typed or pasted, and supports custom vocabulary. TalkTastic's free Beta plan costs nothing and requires macOS 13.1 or later; its installation guide says it performs best on an Apple chip. It is currently available only in English. The app requires microphone, speech recognition, screen recording, and accessibility permissions for its described functions. The maker says snapshots are taken on command, can be disabled, and can be set to auto-delete after processing. It also says user data is not used to train other companies' AI models; end-to-end encryption is in development. Help messages and in-app feedback are available for contacting the team.

Who it suits

TalkTastic may suit people who prefer speaking to type in macOS apps, including remote workers, freelancers, non-native English speakers, older people, and neurodivergent users.

Limits

The free Beta plan requires macOS 13.1 or later. TalkTastic is currently available only in English.

Getting started

1. Visit https://talktastic.com/.
2. Install the Beta on macOS 13.1 or later.
3. Grant microphone, speech recognition, screen recording, and accessibility permissions for the described features.
4. Start recording with a keyboard shortcut, cursor shortcut, or the menu bar.
5. Choose automatic pasting or select a transcription result to insert.

Verdict

TalkTastic turns speech into text across macOS apps and can use on-screen context to adjust it. Check the language and permission requirements before choosing it.