Braina
{{short description|Intelligent personal assistant & dictation software}}
{{infobox software
| name = Braina
| logo = Braina-logo.png
| developer = Brainasoft
| operating system = Windows
| language = English
| genre = {{ indented plainlist |
- Virtual assistant
- Intelligent agent
- Artificial intelligence
- Chatbot
- Large language model
- Generative pre-trained transformer
- Natural language interface
- Transcription software
- Speech synthesis
- Speech recognition
}}
| license = Proprietary
| website = {{URL|www.brainasoft.com/braina/}}
}}
Braina is a virtual assistant{{cite web | last=King | first=Leo | title=Top 8 virtual personal assistants| website=Raconteur | date=15 December 2015 | url=https://www.raconteur.net/report/artificial-intelligence-for-business/top-8-virtual-personal-assistants/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726225438/https://www.raconteur.net/report/artificial-intelligence-for-business/top-8-virtual-personal-assistants/ | archive-date=26 July 2023 | url-status=dead}}{{cite journal|author1=Igor Bošnjak |author2=Luka Šaravanja |author3=Eva Čuljak |author4=Željko Stojkić |title = Planning and implementation of Digital Assistance System at University of Mostar Learning Factory | issue = 2021 | pages= 3–4 | publisher=SSRN | year=2021 | doi=10.2139/ssrn.3858378 | journal = 11th Conference on Learning Factories, CLF2021 |s2cid=242604709 }} and speech-to-text dictation application for Microsoft Windows developed by Brainasoft.{{cite web | author=Mark Pickavance | title=Braina Pro review | date=21 April 2022 | publisher=Future plc | accessdate=2023-08-09 | url=https://www.techradar.com/reviews/braina-pro}} Braina uses natural language interface,{{cite journal|author1=Vladimir A. Fomichov |author2=Alexander A. Razorenov |title = The Design of A Natural Language Interface for File System Operations on the basis of a Structured Meanings Model |journal = Procedia Computer Science |volume = 31|issue = 2014 |pages= 1005–1011 |doi=10.1016/j.procs.2014.05.353| publisher=Elsevier |year=2014 | doi-access=free}} speech synthesis, and speech recognition technology{{cite web| title=Braina Speech Recognition Software| publisher=Braina| access-date=2023-09-20| url=https://www.brainasoft.com/braina/speech-to-text.html}} 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".{{cite book|author1=Robert Ciesla |title = The Current Era of Chatbots, From ELIZA to ChatGPT | doi=10.1007/978-3-031-51004-5_4| publisher=Springer Publishing | date=14 January 2024}}{{cite web |title=Braina Homepage |accessdate=2015-01-10 |url=https://www.brainasoft.com/braina/}}
Braina is marketed as a Microsoft Copilot alternative.{{cite web |title=Microsoft Copilot Alternative for PC|accessdate=2024-01-28 |url=https://www.brainasoft.com/braina/copilot-vs-braina.html}} It provides a voice interface for several locally run{{cite web |title=Run LLM locally on PC|accessdate=2024-07-31 |url=https://www.brainasoft.com/braina/run-ai-language-models-locally-on-cpu-or-gpu.html}} and cloud large language models, including the latest LLMs from providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Grok, Meta, Mistral, etc., while improving data privacy. Braina also allows responses from its in-house large language models like Braina Swift and Braina Pinnacle.{{cite web |title=ChatGPT for PC |accessdate=2023-08-09 |url=https://www.brainasoft.com/braina/llm-ai-chat-for-pc.html}} It has an "Artificial Brain" feature that provides persistent memory support for supported LLMs.{{cite web |title=Persistent Memory for LLM – Personal AI|accessdate=2024-01-28 |url=https://www.brainasoft.com/braina/artificial-brain.html}}
Features
Braina provides is able to carry out various tasks on a computer, including automation.{{cite web | author=Clifford Chi | title=8 Voice-to-Text Software That'll Help You Work Faster | accessdate=2024-02-01 | url=https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/voice-to-text}} Braina can take commands inputted through typing or through dictation{{cite web |title=Dictation software for PC |accessdate=2024-01-28 |url=https://www.brainasoft.com/braina/dictation-software.html}}{{cite web | author=Stacey Nguyen | title=8 Voice-to-Text Software That'll Help You Work Faster | publisher=Lifewire | accessdate=2024-02-01 | url=https://www.lifewire.com/best-voice-to-text-apps-4583053}} to store reminders, find information online, perform mathematical operations, open files, generate images from text, transcribe speech, and control open windows or programs.{{cite web |author=Joel Lee |title=Windows 10 Transformation Pack Gives a Facelift to Windows 7 & 8 |date=25 June 2015 |publisher=MakeUseOf |accessdate=2015-06-28 |url=https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-10-transformation-pack-gives-facelift-windows-7-8/}}{{cite web |title=Braina Music – Search and Listen to Song |publisher=Braina |access-date=2018-03-29 |url=https://braina.me/music/}}{{Cite web |author=Joel Lee |title=Windows 10 Transformation Pack Gives a Facelift to Windows 7 & 8 |date=25 June 2015 |publisher=MakeUseOf |accessdate=2015-06-28 |url=https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-10-transformation-pack-gives-facelift-windows-7-8/}} Braina adapts to user behavior over time with a goal of better anticipating needs.{{cite web |title=Analysing Braina - An intelligent personal assistant |accessdate=2024-01-29 |url=https://indiaai.gov.in/article/analysing-braina-an-intelligent-personal-assistant}}
= Speech-to-text dictation =
Braina Pro can type spoken words into an active window at the location of a user's cursor. Its speech recognition technology supports more than 100 languages and dialects{{cite web |title=Best Free Artificial Intelligence software for Windows 11/10|date=18 April 2022 |accessdate=2024-01-29 |url=https://www.thewindowsclub.com/artificial-intelligence-software-for-windows-10}} and is able to isolate the recognition of a user's voice from disturbing environmental factors such as background noise,{{cite journal|author1=Gaojian Huang |author2=Brandon J. Pitts, Ph.D. |title = Automated Speech Recognition Technology to Support in Flight Weather Related Communication for GA Pilots. | issue = 2019 |pages= 469 | publisher=Wright State University | year=2019 | journal= 20th International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, 468–473 | url=https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1078&context=isap_2019 }} other human voices, or external devices. Braina can also be taught to dictate uncommon legal, medical, and scientific terms.{{cite journal|author1=Dr. Kader Sara Esther |author2=Eckert, Anne M. | author3=Dr. Gural-Toth |title = Voice-to-Text Technology for Patients with Hearing Loss | issue = 2 |volume= 74 | publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins | year=2021 | journal= The Hearing Journal |pages=11,14,15 | doi=10.1097/01.HJ.0000734212.09840.d7 }} Users can also teach Braina uncommon names and vocabulary. Users can edit or correct dictated text without using a keyboard or mouse by giving built-in voice commands.
= Text-to-speech =
Braina can read aloud selected texts, such as e-books.
=== Custom commands and automation ===
Braina can automate computer tasks. 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.{{cite web | author=Neeraj Paruthi | title=Why Braina Is My Preferred Virtual Assistant on Windows | date=15 September 2021 | accessdate=2024-02-01 | url=https://www.makeuseof.com/braina-windows-virtual-assistant/}}{{cite web | author=Daniel Martin | title=Best dictation software | date=24 March 2021 | accessdate=2024-02-01 | url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/best-dictation-software/#no3 |publisher=Digital Trends}}{{cite web | title=Self operating computer with advanced AI automation | accessdate=2024-06-12 | url=https://www.brainasoft.com/braina/advanced-ai-automation.html}}
= Transcription =
Braina can transcribe media file formats such as WAV, MP3, and MP4 into text.{{cite web |title=Automatic Video & Audio Transcription |access-date=2024-02-01 |url=https://www.brainasoft.com/braina/transcribe-audio-video-files-to-text.html}}
= Notes and reminders =
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.{{cite web | title=Note taking with voice commands | accessdate=2024-02-01 | url=https://www.brainasoft.com/braina/notes.html}}
= Image generation =
Brainasoft states that Braina can generate images from text using text-to-image models including Stable Diffusion and DALL-E.
Platforms
In addition to the desktop version for Windows operating systems,{{cite web |title=Braina – Artificial Intelligence Software for Windows |url=https://www.brainasoft.com/braina/ |website=www.brainasoft.com}} Braina is also available for the iOS and Android operating systems.{{cite web |title=Braina PC Remote Voice Control – Apps on Google Play |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.brainasoft.braina&hl=en&gl=US |website=Play Store |language=en}}{{cite web |title=Braina – Voice Control PC |url=https://apps.apple.com/us/app/braina-voice-control-pc/id1340996795 |website=App Store |date=15 February 2018}}
The mobile version of Braina has a feature allowing remote management of a Windows PC connected via Wi-Fi.{{cite web|archive-date=16 August 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170816123644/https://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-voice-recognition-software-of-2017|author=Darren Allan|date=16 August 2017|language=en|title=I dieci migliori software di riconoscimento vocale del 2017|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-voice-recognition-software-of-2017|url-status=live|website=techradar.com}}
Distributions
Braina is distributed in multiple modes. These include Braina Lite, a freeware version with limitations,{{cite web |title=Free Artificial Intelligence (AI) software for your PC |website=ZDNet |accessdate=2024-01-29 |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/free-artificial-intelligence-ai-software-for-your-pc/}} and premium versions Braina Pro, Pro Plus, and Pro Ultra.{{cite web |title=Download Braina Virtual Assistant|accessdate=2024-01-31 |url=https://www.brainasoft.com/braina/download.html}}
Some additional features in the Pro version include dictation, custom vocabulary, video transcription, automation, custom voice commands, and persistent LLM memory.
Reception
{{Expand section|date=January 2024}}
TechRadar has consistently listed Braina as one of the best dictation and virtual assistant apps between 2015 and 2024.{{cite web |title=Best speech-to-text app of 2024|date=29 September 2021 |accessdate=2024-01-29 |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/best-speech-to-text-app}}{{cite web | last=Turner | first=Brian | title=Best speech-to-text apps of 2022 | website=TechRadar | date=29 September 2021 | url=https://www.techradar.com/news/best-speech-to-text-app | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008025823/https://www.techradar.com/news/best-speech-to-text-app | archive-date=8 October 2022 }}{{cite web | last=Turner | first=Brian | title=Best speech-to-text apps of 2021 | website=TechRadar | date=29 September 2021 | url=https://www.techradar.com/news/best-speech-to-text-app | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030032502/https://www.techradar.com/news/best-speech-to-text-app | archive-date=30 October 2021 }}
References
{{reflist}}
{{Intelligent personal assistant software}}
Category:Natural language processing software
Category:Speech recognition software