Cool Tool: Otter.ai

With so many events now virtual, Otter.ai is a resource for remote audience members who may benefit from captioning or live transcriptions. Users simply join a live class, conference, or event and press record. The AI-powered tool then does all the work, converting speech to text in real time.

The service is accessible via web browser and mobile app. With the web version, users can split the screen and resize windows as needed for simultaneous views of the virtual event and the captions. Moreover, individuals can use Otter to transcribe previously recorded audio.

Basic, pro, and business plans are available. Basic plan users can record and transcribe up to 600 minutes of audio per month in 40-minute blocks at no cost. Business plan users can record and transcribe up to 6,000 minutes of audio per month in four-hour blocks for a nominal fee. As a bonus for business plan users, Otter easily synchs with Zoom for live transcription services.