Add "Dictation Mode" - Audio-only typing test for accessibility and transcription practice

[subhashkumar9661]

Is your feature request related to a problem?
Yes. Currently, all typing modes in Monkeytype are visual (reading words from the screen). However, in real-world scenarios like meetings, lectures, and transcription jobs, users need to type by listening. There is currently no modern platform that provides a dedicated "Audio-only" typing speed test.

Describe the solution you'd like
I propose adding a "Dictation Mode" (perhaps in Funbox or as a new mode) where:

The words on the screen are hidden or blurred initially.

The system uses the Web Speech API to dictate the words.

Users type what they hear, and the system tracks WPM and Accuracy based on the audio output.

Option to adjust the "Dictation Speed" (0.8x, 1.0x, 1.2x).

Describe alternatives you've considered
I have checked existing websites like Sense-Lang or GoTranscript, but they are outdated and lack the modern UI/UX and customization that Monkeytype offers.

Additional context
This feature would significantly improve accessibility for visually impaired users and provide a unique training tool for professional transcribers. I am a Computer Science student and I'm very interested in contributing to this feature!

[fehmer]

a very basic variant of this is available as funbox "tts"

[subhashkumar9661]

"Thanks for pointing that out! I checked the 'tts' funbox, but my idea is different.

The current 'tts' funbox reads the words as you type them (visual first). My proposal for 'Dictation Mode' is to make it audio-first:

The words should be hidden/blurred so the user must listen to know what to type.

It tests listening comprehension along with typing speed, which is a key skill for transcribers.

The goal is to create a pure 'Audio-to-Type' experience rather than just hearing what is already visible on the screen."

[fehmer]

tts hides the words. But the audio is one-by-one not a steady stream of words. That would be a good improvement

[subhashkumar9661]

"Exactly! That's my main point. The current one-by-one audio feels robotic and doesn't simulate real-life dictation. A 'Steady Stream' mode where the audio flows naturally would be a huge improvement for professional training.

Also, to make it more user-friendly, I suggest adding this as a main category on the navigation bar (next to time, words, quote, zen). Having a dedicated 'dictation' mode right on the home screen would make it much more accessible and increase user interaction significantly compared to hiding it in the funbox settings.

I'd love to help brainstorm the UI/UX for this and see how we can implement the logic!"

[fehmer]

Sounds very cool. could you join the discord in #development