Technology on campus is constantly evolving, and the University of Tennessee’s UT Verse platform is helping lead to that change. UT Verse uses AI to connect students, faculty, and staff with information and digital tools in new ways. One of its most overlooked, yet powerful features is the microphone. 

Your microphone does much more than record sound. Inside UT Verse, it becomes a tool that helps you work faster, communicate more easily, and interact naturally with the system. Instead of typing, you simply talk.

Explore 4 ways your microphone makes UT Verse more useful:

1. Hands Free—Just Ask AI
Sometimes your hands are full, or you prefer speaking to typing. With UT Verse, you can ask for what you need out loud. This hands-free option is particularly handy when you’re multitasking, studying on the go, or simply want a more natural way to interact with the AI. 

2. Real-Time Dictation 
Ideas can come quicker when you say it out loud. UT Verse’s speech-to-text feature turns your spoken words into written text instantly. 

Example: During a group project planning session, you can say, “For our marketing plan, we need to target Gen Z. Use TikTok and Instagram. Focus on sustainability and affordability. Maybe add a campus ambassador program.” UT Verse will write everything down for you. 

The speaking option helps with note-taking, drafting papers, outlining ideas, or recording thoughts without interrupting your flow. 

3. Communicate Across Languages 
UT Verse includes a built-in translator called UTVersal Translator, which enables people from different countries to talk and understand each other in real-time. 

Example: If you’re working with a scholar from Japan, you can speak in English, and UT Verse will show or play the Japanese translation. They can respond in Japanese, and UT Verse will translate it back into English for you. 

UTVersal Translator facilitates global teamwork, cultural exchange, and language learning. This feature works exceptionally well on mobile devices. 

4. “Talk It Out” for Better AI Results 
Sometimes saying things out loud can help with organizing your thoughts or provide a different perspective while writing a prompt. This may also lead to longer or more detailed prompts, which could improve responses given by the AI. Review your prompt to ensure it reads smoothly and makes sense to you. If you stumble while reading it, the AI will likely struggle too.

Try using UT Verse voice features to boost your efficiency and productivity — giving you another pathway to success in your studies at the University of Tennessee.