Quote:
Originally Posted by Fluribus
I've never used it. I'd still rather have it available.
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I agree, but I'm not sure it *has* to be available on an e-ink reader. Tablets are by necessity of viewing movies and video content equipped with speakers, there's no problem getting text-to-speech, more than one reading app offers it.
Whereas there is less need for speakers and headphone jacks on the e-ink reader. They add weight and cost. So I can see why Amazon is no longer incorporating it on e-ink. They probably figure those who need the feature will go the tablet route OR already have it via a smartphone. On e-ink, most of the other manufacturers have not had the text-to-speech feature in the first place. And most other manufacturers are also dropping or have already dropped audio features from their e-ink devices.
If it's needed, it's about as easy to find a cheap tablet these days as it is to find a cheap e-ink device. If someone needs a lighter weight device, then phones and media players can take up the slack.