Voice recognition plays a prominent role in Google’s mobile search tool. Instead of typing in a Google search query, allows voice commands to conduct a search. The app also exploits your phone’s proximity sensor; just raise the phone to an ear and talk to run a search. In addition to straightforward searches, the app also uses location to help find movie times, local restaurants, and more.

is a great multitasker. By using voice commands, users can dictate an email, text message, tweet or Facebook status, make a call, locate a place, or search the web. When spoken to, the app sends the voice command to Vlingo’s servers, returning the answer in text form. To use Vlingo, simply say one of four commands before the request: find, search, social update or call. The free app provides basic search functionality; for $10, you can add email and text message dictation.

Unlike the apps above, is designed to help specifically with one native iPhone app: the built-in camera. Instead of tapping around the normal camera app, Voice Camera Pro uses fairly obvious voice commands to launch the app’s camera, take a picture, view your photo library, and share photos. It also adds a few fun extras, such as snapping up to four photos consecutively. In loud conditions, you may need to use an external microphone (such as the headphone, mic, and remote pair your iPhone ships with) to clearly convey your command, but it’s worth a try for $2.