Ubuntu's big AI rollout will let you speak into any text box - no typing required

By Simon Batt Published Jun 4, 2026, 12:40 AM EDT Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech. Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart , Listverse , and MakeTechEasier . However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics. Sign in to your XDA account Add Us On follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap Summary Canonical adds open-source, removable AI tools to Ubuntu, easing user concerns about forced AI. The first tool is a local speech-to-text assistant that lets you dictate into any text box. Tools focus on accessibility, ship as Snap packages, and may be optional in Ubuntu 26.10. Canonical made us all a little nervous when it announced that it plans to add AI tools to Ubuntu. However, as we saw more into what Canonical actually plans to add, things began to make sense.