Summerizer - Frequently Asked Questions:

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• Why do I have to pay for text processing in Summerizer if it is free in an online prompt? Summerizer uses AI provider APIs to deliver advanced text processing, unlike free online prompts, which offer only basic models and limited customization. The API gives you access to advanced models and greater control over parameters that aren’t even available in subscription prompts, making Summerizer a more powerful choice. Each successful request deducts a small fee from your API key balance.

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• How much does it cost per run? For exact values, check OpenAI's Realtime API and xAI's API Models. As of 2025, higher tier models (GPT-4, Grok-4) typically cost 0,03 USD (prices may vary, always check the vendor's pricing for updated information) for every 1000 output tokens, while lower tier models (GPT-3.5-Turbo, Grok-3) are cheaper. If you are technically inclined, please read this Nvidia article about tokens, but if you aren't, tokens are pieces of text that the AI system breaks down for analysis. On average, 1000 tokens = 600 to 700 words with punctuation. As a real-world example, the testing and model-calibration phases during the development of Summerizer used about 2 USD on each vendor with many different texts of various subjects and length.

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• Why offer multiple AI vendors, don't they do the same thing? AI vendors train their models differently, and each has its own strengths. For example, one model might generate more formal, professional language, while another excels at conversational, casual tone. You may find that one vendor suits certain texts better than the other. In technology it is important for users to choose what works for them, flexibility is the very purpose of North Bay Software.

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• Can I use Summerizer to process text other than that from the transcription? Absolutely! As long as your API key has funds/credits with a supported AI provider, you can use Summerizer to process any text file. Just make sure it’s in plain text format (types like .pdf or .docx won’t work) and accessible from your iOS device, such as your personal iCloud Drive.

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• Why is the transcription empty? Ensure you speak close to the microphone with minimal background noise and test speech volume levels before important transcriptions. Make sure the keyboard of the language you are transcribing is installed when using online mode as well as the language pack for offline mode.

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• Why is the last sentence cut in the processed text? This can happen due to AI service providers’ API limits, for example, when processing a large text to compact sizes such as 10% or 15%. If you need a very compact version of the text, try the bullet points or the executive summary instead of a percentage.

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• Why is my processed file empty? This may happen with Grok-4, a reasoning model still being refined by xAI, which can occasionally refuse to process text, even if it’s not sensitive. No charges are applied to your API balance for empty responses. Try Grok-3 instead.

 

• Is it possible to add punctuation while transcribing? Yes, online transcription in English accepts Apple Dictate formatting commands to explicitly add punctuation or change capitalization of words, which greatly enhances text processing later. But note that the full feature set of Voice Control (System Accessibility) such as the commands for text formatting in system languages other than English, is only available to Apple’s own apps, not to external apps. However, transcription in English (US) acts on commands such as “COMMA” or “NEW PARAGRAPH” instead of just transcribing the speech literally. A list of valid Voice Control commands in English can be found in the Apple Support page.

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• Can Summerizer help those constantly in transit, dealing with speakers of multiple languages? Sure, this is the purpose of multi-language support. If you are a journalist, researcher, or a professional on the move and already know which languages you will need, add the keyboard for those languages beforehand. When going to areas without network coverage, pre-install the language packs as well, so you can use them in offline mode. Save the transcriptions on your iPhone, and process them later when you are back online.

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• I'm not planning to add funds to my API key. Can I continue using Summerizer? Yes, the multi-language transcription works independently of AI text processing. You can still capture ideas on-the-go, but without a funded API key, you won’t be able to generate AI summaries — the feature that makes Summerizer a versatile all-in-one companion.

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• Is the app's name misspelled? No, it just so happens that it's always summer in North Bay.