FAQs
Questions, answered.
Short, straight answers about setup, dictation, features, privacy and billing.
Showing all 34 questions
01What do I need to run Sovona?
A PC with Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit) and a microphone. Everyday laptops are fine, and Sovona uses your graphics card automatically when it helps.
Copy link02How long does setup take?
About two minutes. Install, sign in with a code sent to your email, test your microphone, and you're dictating.
Copy link03Do I need an account?
Yes, just an email address. You sign in with a one-time code, so there's no password to remember.
Copy link04Do I need internet?
Only to install, sign in and download the speech engine. After that, Sovona works fully offline.
Copy link05How do I uninstall Sovona?
Open Windows Settings, then Apps, then Installed apps, and choose Uninstall next to Sovona. Export anything you want to keep first.
Copy link06When are Mac, iPhone and Android coming?
They're in the works. Leave your email at the bottom of any page and we'll email you once, on launch day.
Copy link07How do I start dictating?
Click where you want to type, hold Ctrl + Win, speak, and let go. Clean, punctuated text appears at your cursor.
Copy link08Which apps does it work in?
Any Windows app where you can type: email, Slack, Teams, Word, Google Docs in your browser, code editors and more.
Copy link09What if there's nowhere to paste?
Your text goes to the clipboard and into History, so you never lose a word. Press Ctrl + V when you're ready.
Copy link10Which languages can I speak?
More than 90 for dictation. The app itself is in English, Arabic, Persian, Spanish, French and Chinese.
Copy link11Can I switch languages mid-sentence?
Yes. Sovona detects the language as you speak, even when you mix two. You can also lock it to one language.
Copy link12Does it remove "um" and "uh"?
Yes. Fillers are removed and punctuation, capitals, numbers and dates are tidied up. The raw version stays in History.
Copy link13Can I change the shortcuts?
Yes, every one, in Settings, then Hotkeys. Sovona warns you if a shortcut clashes with another app.
Copy link14Is there a wake word?
Yes. "Hey Sovona" is off by default. Turn it on in Settings, and change the phrase if you like.
Copy link15Can it record meetings?
Yes. It records your mic and the call audio on your PC, with no bot joining. You get a transcript, summary and action items. Always let people know you're recording.
Copy link16Can it transcribe audio and video files?
Yes. Drag files into Transcribe and export text, DOCX, PDF or subtitles (SRT and VTT).
Copy link17Can it translate as I speak?
Yes. Speak in one language and Sovona types in another, for example Persian in and English out.
Copy link18Is there an AI assistant?
Yes. Chats runs a private AI on your PC that can use your notes, meetings and documents. It also works with Ollama and LM Studio.
Copy link19Can it read text aloud?
Yes. Select text in any app and press Alt + R to hear it in a natural voice.
Copy link20Does my voice leave my computer?
No. On the Local plan, speech becomes text on your PC and nothing you say, write or record is sent anywhere.
Copy link21Then why does Sovona go online?
Only to check your plan, look for updates and download speech engines. The Privacy screen lists every connection it makes.
Copy link22Does Sovona take screenshots?
Never. To format text well it reads only the app's name and the text box you're typing in, on your PC. It skips password fields.
Copy link23Are my dictations used to train AI?
No. We never receive them, so they can't be used for anything.
Copy link24Do you collect analytics?
Crash reports and anonymous usage stats are off unless you turn them on, and they never include anything you say or write.
Copy link25Can I lock the app?
Yes. Use a PIN or Windows Hello, and Sovona locks itself after a period of no use.
Copy link26Can I delete my data?
Yes. Delete any item, a date range or everything, set History to clear itself after a number of days, or delete your account from the app.
Copy link27How much does Sovona cost?
Sovona Local is US$10 a month or US$96 a year. In Australia it's A$15 a month or A$144 a year, GST included.
Copy link28How does the free trial work?
You get 7 days with every feature. A card is needed to start, and you're not charged if you cancel before the trial ends. One trial per person.
Copy link29Can I cancel any time?
Yes, in a few clicks from Account, then Manage billing. You keep access until the end of the period you've paid for.
Copy link30What happens to my notes if I cancel?
They stay on your PC. Your notes, History and documents remain readable and exportable after a plan ends.
Copy link31How do I get a receipt?
Open Account, then Manage billing, in the app. Every receipt is there to view and download.
Copy link32What's the Cloud plan?
An optional plan with cloud speech and AI, coming after launch. Local-only will still switch every cloud feature off.
Copy link33What's Founders Lifetime?
A one-time purchase of Sovona Local with every future desktop update, for the first 500 people in the launch month.
Copy link34Do you offer refunds?
Not for change of mind. If you cancel, you keep using Sovona until your paid period ends and aren't charged again. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law always apply.
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