Summary:
While using Ava for real-time speech-to-text transcription you may encounter situations where the microphone is being occupied by another application. This can make it difficult for Ava to transcribe or caption what is being said in real-time.
In this help article, we will explain how to close applications that are using the microphone so that you can use Ava without any interruptions.
🍎 iOS
In the top left-hand corner, click on the orange microphone icon. This will open the application that uses the microphone.
Once you've identified the application, return to your home page.
Slide your finger upwards, pausing in the center of your screen.
Find the application identified by your microphone and slide up to close it.
Return to Ava and start the real-time captioning again. It should now be able to access the microphone.
🤖 Android
Tap on the ⚙️ Settings icon
Find the 🎙️ Microphone Settings
Choose the Microphone you wish to use for captions
To Enable Ava to use your Microphone
The first time you use Ava, there will be a prompt to enable Ava to use your microphone. If you tap "No", but change your mind, here is how you can allow Ava to use your microphone to caption
Go to your Android Settings and find Ava's App Settings (note this is different in each Android phone, so if you have questions, please reach out)
Go to your Microphone Permissions
Toggle ON your Microphone permission
🖥️ Desktop
Tap on the ↓Arrow next to the 🎙️ Microphone icon
Choose the Microphone you wish to use for captions
Computer Microphone (MacBook Pro Microphone in photo below) will give you captions based on your computer's microphone, any noise from the room you are in
Computer Audio will give you captions based on any audio coming out of your computer like a YouTube video
Troubleshooting your Ava Mic on Desktop
No captions? There might be a few reasons why! Try these tips to get your Ava Mic working.
Is your Ava Mic crossed out? If the 🎙️ Microphone icon has a slash through it, that means your microphone is disabled. Tap the 🎙️ Microphone icon again so there is no slash through the microphone icon.
Do you have multiple microphones selected? You can select multiple microphones at one time to get sound from your computer's audio and an external mic. This could also be giving you double captions. To caption both your computer audio and room audio:
Tap on the ↓Arrow next to the 🎙️ Microphone icon
Select both "Computer Microphone" (MacBook Pro Microphone in the example below) and "Computer Audio"
Note: SpeakerID is not available when you have multiple microphones selected
For Video Calls, it is best to connect via Ava Connect! Learn more here.
Now sure which mic you should connect to? Find the name of your microphone and choose it in Ava.
Go to your Computer Microphone settings:
For Windows users → Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Escape)
Look for the application that is using the microphone and make a note of its name
Open Ava and choose that Microphone name
If you encounter a situation where the microphone is being occupied by another application, you can follow these simple steps so Ava is undisrupted and can provide fast and accurate transcription in real-time for digital accessibility.
🎤 To increase sound for enhanced accessibility needs, check out devices available at Ava’s hardware store.