Voice typing in eighteen languages
All of them transcribed on your own device. Set the language to automatic and LocalType works out which one you are speaking, so you do not have to switch first.
Supported languages
Listed by how widely each language is spoken.
How multilingual actually works here
Automatic language recognition
Set the language to automatic and LocalType works out which of the supported languages you are speaking. It decides that per recording, so it follows you when you switch language between messages.
One model, several languages
A single multilingual speech model covers the supported languages, so you do not download a separate one for each language you use.
One setting, three things
Pick a language and it sets the keyboard layout, the dictionary and the language you dictate in, all three at once. Pick automatic instead and the keyboard keeps the layout you already had — it cannot know in advance what you are about to say.
Accuracy is not identical in every language
It would be convenient to claim otherwise, but speech models are trained on uneven amounts of material per language, and results vary with accent, background noise and how fast you speak. Widely spoken languages generally come out best. If a language matters to you, the beta is the moment to tell us how it holds up in practice.
Join the beta and tell usWill more languages be added?
The list reflects what LocalType supports today, not a final decision. Which languages come next depends partly on what the speech models handle well and partly on where the demand turns out to be.
Questions about languages
Do I have to pick a language before I start dictating?
Not necessarily. LocalType can recognise which of the supported languages you are speaking. You can still set one explicitly if you prefer.
Can I switch language halfway through a sentence?
Not within one recording. LocalType settles on a language per piece of speech, so switching works between messages rather than mid-sentence.
Do I need a separate download per language?
No. A single multilingual model handles the supported languages.
Does the keyboard layout change with the language?
Yes, if you set a specific language: the layout, the dictionary and the dictation language move together. On automatic the layout stays where it is, since the language is only known once you have spoken.
My language is not on the list. What now?
Let us know. Which languages get added next depends in part on where the interest is.
LocalType is in testing
Join the beta and help work out which phones, languages and situations still need attention.
Join the beta