Google has made a quiet entry into the AI dictation market with the release of “Google AI Edge Eloquent,” a free iOS application designed to process speech entirely offline. The app leverages Gemma-based automatic speech recognition models, which users must download before initiating dictation. Once operational, it provides live transcription and automatically edits out filler words such as “um” and “ah” upon pausing, delivering polished text ready for use.
Beneath the transcript, Eloquent presents several text transformation options, including “Key points,” “Formal,” “Short,” and “Long,” allowing users to tailor output to specific needs. A cloud mode toggle enables local-only processing when switched off; when activated, the app utilizes cloud-based Gemini models for enhanced text cleanup. This dual-mode approach offers flexibility depending on connectivity and privacy preferences.
The app integrates with Gmail to import keywords, names, and jargon, and supports the addition of custom words to its vocabulary. It maintains a history of transcription sessions, complete with search functionality, and displays metrics like words dictated in the last session, words-per-minute speed, and total words spoken. According to Google’s App Store description, “Google AI Edge Eloquent is an advanced dictation app engineered to bridge the gap between natural speech and professional, ready-to-use text. Unlike standard dictation software that transcribes stumbles and filler words verbatim, Eloquent utilizes AI to capture your intended meaning. It automatically edits out ‘ums,’ ‘uhs,’ and mid-sentence self-corrections, outputting clean, accurate prose.”
Currently exclusive to iOS, the App Store description hints at an upcoming Android version, mentioning “seamless Android integration” that would allow it to be set as a default keyboard for system-wide access. Additionally, it plans to incorporate a floating button feature similar to Wispr Flow’s implementation on Android, facilitating easy transcription from any screen. This move positions Google against established players like Wispr Flow, SuperWhisper, and Willow in the growing AI-powered transcription space.
As speech-to-text models advance, AI transcription apps are gaining traction among users. Google’s experimental foray with Eloquent signals its intent to capitalize on this trend. Success in this test could lead to enhanced transcription features across Android devices, expanding its reach beyond iOS. The company has updated its app store listing to remove references to the Android app while noting that the iOS keyboard is coming soon, indicating ongoing development and potential broader rollout.
