Important Update:

Discontinuation of Dragon Version 15 and Introduction of Dragon Professional Version 16

In February 2023, Nuance, now a subsidiary of Microsoft, made a significant announcement regarding the discontinuation of the Dragon Professional Version 15 range of speech recognition products. The culmination of this discontinuation was the unveiling of the new Dragon Professional Version 16. This update not only marks a transition in the product line but also promises exciting enhancements and improved user experiences.

Important Considerations for Dragon Version 15 Users

For those currently using Dragon Version 15, it's important to note that general technical support will continue. However, this support does not extend to incidents related to Dragon running on unsupported operating systems. With the discontinuation of Dragon Version 15, Nuance will no longer provide updates, including security patches and fixes for these products.

If you own a perpetual license for Dragon Version 14 or 15, you are not required to take any immediate action. Nuance will not make your Dragon solution any less usable. However, continuing to use Dragon Version 14 or 15 after the end of the sale or support date may increase your exposure to security risks and impact your ability to meet compliance obligations. This is especially true if you are still using Windows 7 or Windows 8, as Microsoft has ceased all updates for these operating systems as of January 2023.

Please note that Nuance will not assume responsibility for any software errors, bugs, security incidents, data breaches, or other issues that may arise from using unsupported versions of Dragon. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.

Dragon Version 15 will continue until October 2025, aligning with Microsoft's official end of support for Windows 10. It's crucial to be aware of this timeline and consider transitioning to newer software versions to ensure ongoing compatibility, security, and access to the latest features. Planning for this transition well in advance will help you stay ahead of any potential disruptions and make the most of the evolving technology landscape.

Compatibility with Windows 11

It's crucial to highlight that Dragon Version 14 or 15 is not supported in Windows 11. If you are using Windows 11, we strongly recommend upgrading to Dragon Professional Version 16 for a seamless and secure experience.

Transition Timeline

Dragon Version 15, initially released by Nuance in 2016, was officially discontinued in February 2023. For users who are currently on Windows 7, 8.1, or Windows 10, it's important to be aware that official support for Dragon Version 15 aligns with Microsoft's end of support in October 2025.

As a result, this is a critical juncture for Dragon Version 15 users to consider transitioning to Dragon Professional Version 16, ensuring continued support, enhanced features, and a more secure computing environment.

Nuance's Commitment to Desktop Versions

As Nuance has been directing its focus towards developing powerful cloud-based speech recognition solutions like Dragon Professional Anywhere, Dragon Legal Anywhere, and Dragon Medical One, the desktop version of Dragon remains a vital component of their product offerings. This move is essential in catering to clients with specific requirements, including advanced accessibility features and the need for sophisticated tools for voice commands and macros.

The Evolution to Dragon Professional Version 16

Dragon Professional Version 16 represents a more streamlined approach to the desktop software range. In line with this evolution, Nuance has discontinued the Dragon Home and Dragon Professional Individual versions. Dragon Professional Version 16 now caters to a broad audience, including individuals, students, and enterprises.

Dragon Pro v16 provides two licensing options - Standalone and Enterprise.

Dragon Pro v16 Stand-Alone -vs- Dragon Pro v16 Enterprise (VLA)

Both the Dragon Stand-Alone and Enterprise versions are the same software but are licensed slightly differently.  If you are not sure which version is best for you give our team a call and we will assist you.

• Dragon Pro v16 Stand-Alone is ideal for users working from a single computer. It includes 2x license activations (one for use, and one for disaster recovery)
• Dragon Pro v16 Stand-Alone Upgrade is available for clients with a valid Dragon Pro Individual v15 license

Get an immediate download when you purchase Dragon Pro v16 Stand-Alone online in Australia from VoiceX!

• Dragon Pro v16 Enterprise (VLA) licenses provide unlimited activations, making it ideal for sites and users that require the software to be installed on multiple computers/laptops. Enterprise sites with multiple licenses not only benefit from our Volume License Discounts but also have the option to add the Nuance Management Centre (NMC) and Software Upgrade Assurance
• Dragon Pro v16 Enterprise (VLA) Upgrade is available for clients with a valid Dragon Professional Group v15 license

Please note that a unique site license is created for Dragon Professional Enterprise.  This may take approx 24 to 48 business hours from order.

Embrace the Future with Dragon Professional Version 16

The launch of Dragon Professional Version 16 is not merely a transition but an opportunity to embrace a more efficient, powerful, and secure speech recognition solution. With enhanced features and ongoing support, upgrading to Dragon Professional Version 16 is a proactive step towards ensuring optimal productivity and accuracy in your work.

For more information, assistance, or to explore the benefits of upgrading to Dragon Professional Version 16, please feel free to reach out to our team. We are here to guide you through this transition and help you make the most of your speech recognition software.

Don't miss out on the latest advancements - upgrade to Dragon Professional Version 16 and continue to experience the future of speech recognition technology.