saywhat.co

What It Is

Say What? is an AI-powered speech transcription and translation app. Its core goal is to help people who are hard of hearing or have difficulty understanding spoken language by turning spoken words in conversations into simple, easy-to-read text. The product originated from a family communication need: in its early use case, an iPad was placed between two people, with one person speaking and the other reading the transcription on the screen. It later expanded to all iOS devices and added support for language translation while traveling.

Core Features and Experience

Based on the available information, Say What? uses OpenAI technology for speech-to-text and can translate speech into English, French, German, Spanish, Swedish, and Japanese. The product emphasizes extreme simplicity: no login, no registration, and no unnecessary features, making it suitable for users who want to open the app and use it immediately. Typical use cases include face-to-face communication assistance, daily communication for people with hearing impairments, and cross-language communication while traveling.

Pricing and Support

The page does not disclose any free quota, trial period, subscription pricing, or one-time purchase information, nor does it explain payment methods. In terms of platform support, the main copy states that the app was initially built for iPad and is now compatible with all iOS devices. The terms template includes definitions for Apple App Store and Google Play Store, but the product description mainly focuses on iOS, so it is unclear whether an Android version is already available. No API, SDK, or enterprise integration information was found.

Data Privacy and Limitations

The official website states that there is no login, no registration, and no personal data tracking. However, the privacy policy says it may collect Usage Data, such as IP address, device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, and diagnostic data, and that such data may be shared with service providers, affiliates, business partners, or in connection with a business transfer. Users may request deletion of their data. It is also worth noting that the service is provided “as is,” with no guarantee that it will be uninterrupted, error-free, or accurate in content. The page also does not disclose transcription accuracy, latency, offline capabilities, performance in noisy environments, or Chinese language support.

Pros, Cons, and Who It’s For

The strengths of Say What? are its focused positioning, low barrier to use, and simple interface philosophy. It is suitable for people with hearing impairments, caregivers, family members, and travelers. Its drawbacks include limited transparency around commercial terms, a limited set of translation languages, no clear Chinese support, and a lack of reliability metrics for professional scenarios. There is no verifiable information about accessibility from China; if it depends on OpenAI or overseas app store services, the actual network and payment experience may be uncertain. Alternatives include Apple Live Captions, Google Live Transcribe, Microsoft Translator, Otter.ai, and iFlytek Tingjian.