Summary
Enable text-to-speech in Settings → System → Languages & input → On-screen keyboard → Android Keyboard (AOSP) → Preferences, grant Microphone permission, then tap the microphone on the keyboard to dictate text.
Steps
Turn on speech to text
Open Settings
Tap System
Tap Languages & input
Tap On-screen keyboard
Tap Android Keyboard (AOSP)
Tap Preferences
Scroll to the bottom and turn on Voice input key (Azure Speech Services)
Allow Microphone permissions
Use speech to text
Open any app where you can type (Messages, Notes, etc)
Tap a text field so the keyboard appears
Tap and hold the microphone button on the keyboard
Speak clearly
Once the button is released, your words will appear as text in the input field
Disable speech to text
Speech to text is disabled by default. If you have enabled speech to text and would like to disable it, disable the Voice input key (Azure Speech Services) button.
Considerations
Speech to text uses Azure Speech Services
Speech to text not working: An internet connection is required for transcription
Web processing as opposed to local text-to-speech was a decision made to increase the amount of storage available on the device
Accuracy depends on background noise and microphone quality. Speak clearly into the microphone at the base of the phone.
Punctuation does not need to be spoken
Voice input may be limited on protected screens and search fields (lock screen, contacts, entering phone numbers)
When to Contact Support
Create a support ticket if the microphone icon is visible but speech is never converted to text in any app after confirming internet access and microphone permission.
What to Collect for Support
Whether Voice input key (Azure Speech Services) is enabled
Whether Microphone permission is allowed for Android Keyboard (AOSP)
Whether Wi-Fi or mobile data is connected
The app where speech to text is failing
Sidephone OS version or date of last update