Text to speech

[jerryleejr]

Sorry the search function brought up way to many unrelated results....
Is Amazon the only reader that offers text to speech? I’m specifically want an ereader not an app or software...

JJ

[DaleDe]

Originally Posted by jerryleejr

Sorry the search function brought up way to many unrelated results....
Is Amazon the only reader that offers text to speech? I’m specifically want an ereader not an app or software...

JJ

See TTS in our wiki. It has been a while since it was updated but it should get you started.

Dale

[tomsem]

Kindle does not really have what I would call text to speech (except for older models, Kindle 2 through Kindle Touch). They do have a screen reader called VoiceView, but it designed specifically for people with visual impairments and greatly modifies how you navigate the device. The Fire tablets have both VoiceView and TTS in multiple languages. They are not eReaders of course but might be an inexpensive option to consider.

I am not aware of any current eReaders that offer TTS, apart from those running Android and that would allow 3rd party Android reading apps with this feature.

[jerryleejr]

Originally Posted by tomsem

Kindle does not really have what I would call text to speech (except for older models, Kindle 2 through Kindle Touch). They do have a screen reader called VoiceView, but it designed specifically for people with visual impairments and greatly modifies how you navigate the device. The Fire tablets have both VoiceView and TTS in multiple languages. They are not eReaders of course but might be an inexpensive option to consider.

I am not aware of any current eReaders that offer TTS, apart from those running Android and that would allow 3rd party Android reading apps with this feature.

That seems to be what my research has found as well. My daughter is wanting a reader but would like TTS. I will probably get her a reader and an audible subscription.

JJ

[Deskisamess]

Kindles do have TTS...

From the Paperwhite product page:

VoiceView screen reader, available over Bluetooth audio, provides spoken feedback allowing you to navigate your device and read books with text-to-speech (available in English only). Kindle Paperwhite also includes the ability to invert Black and White, adjust font size, font face, line spacing and margins.

The biggest difference is that current Kindles do not have speakers, so you have to use Bluetooth earbuds or headphones, or I suppose a Bluetooth speaker if it could be paired correctly.

iDevices offer voice over, essentially the same thing as TTS. Android devices most likely have the same thing.

[tomsem]

Originally Posted by Deskisamess

Kindles do have TTS...

From the Paperwhite product page:

VoiceView screen reader, available over Bluetooth audio, provides spoken feedback allowing you to navigate your device and read books with text-to-speech (available in English only). Kindle Paperwhite also includes the ability to invert Black and White, adjust font size, font face, line spacing and margins.

The biggest difference is that current Kindles do not have speakers, so you have to use Bluetooth earbuds or headphones, or I suppose a Bluetooth speaker if it could be paired correctly.

iDevices offer voice over, essentially the same thing as TTS. Android devices most likely have the same thing.

In my opinion, this is not Text To Speech. It is for people with vision issues. For anyone else, it makes navigation more onerous and some features are not accessible.

Again, compare with Fire tablet, which has separate features for TTS and VoiceView, which are independent of each other and target different requirements.

For some, VoiceView may be an acceptable substitute for TTS but for me it is too much of a tradeoff. I’d like to see them add the less intrusive TTS (same as what Fire offers).

The iOS feature is called Speak Screen, a subset of full blown Voice Over. It is more lightweight than VoiceView, and has the merit that it is easy to toggle on and off

[DNSB]

Another possibility to check out is the Pocketbook line of ereaders. Sadly 2' from your Macbook does not geolocate you though it does suggest you are located in the USA (most other locations would have uses 60cm from...

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by tomsem

In my opinion, this is not Text To Speech. It is for people with vision issues. For anyone else, it makes navigation more onerous and some features are not accessible.

I downloaded all the firmware and support for the PW3 and external USB audio stick. You don't need the expensive Amazon accessory. Most less than €7 inc shipping adaptors and a €2 USB2Go adaptor work. The BT on the later Kindles is similar.

Compared to the text to speech on the DXG it's a dreadful UI / UX. It's actually an accessibility feature, but badly done.

The actual quality on the PW3 via USB or DXG (speakers or good earphones) is about the same. It's like 1980s Creative Labs on DOS and the Windows XP free optional from MS Text to Speech (since about 2003) is better.

I can't imagine the BT version for the Kindles that have it are any different to the PW3, you are just using the built in BT instead of a USB audio adaptor. USB audio is often better quality than BT as one less pair of codecs are needed, however the limitation is the Text to Speech libraries, not the hardware.

Any modern Linux or Windows screen reader is better, so I'd totally agree with tomsem. Though I've never tried iOS or Android screen readers.

It's not even a decently implemented accessibility feature. The DXG and Kindle Keyboard Text to Speech is FAR easier to use and is similar audio synthesis.

[slkissinger]

My opinion...of readers I have for TTS. My absolute favorite reader of all time the Kindle Keyboard 3. To me, it was perfect for tts. Especially at the time. Of readers you can buy new (that I have, so take that for what it’s worth), the pocketbook touch hd 3 works well. I did try voice view on kindle oasis when I had it, and found it beyond annoying.

But honestly... this is what I use...Calibre to convert any books. I use an android phone. And paid for Moon + Reader Pro. Transfer books via usb from computer to phone. Any Bluetooth (or without if you don’t mind disturbing people around you), and the TTS works nice via that app. I do have an iPad mini, and tried to do tts via a free thing, I forget what, but didn’t find it as easy to use. (But that could be my failing)

I like the phone and moon+reader pro For one main reason though...on long trips since the car I have lets me connect the phone via Bluetooth, I have it read me a book thru the radio instead of listening to music.

[Tarana]

If you can find it, the old Kindle Keyboard (still popular) does text-to-speech quite well. In addition, you aren't restricted to Amazon only purchases as it will 'speak' sideloads as well. It is one of the reasons why I bought extra units from Woot.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by jerryleejr

Sorry the search function brought up way to many unrelated results....
Is Amazon the only reader that offers text to speech? I’m specifically want an ereader not an app or software...

Some of the PocketBook models have TTS (including the Touch HD3).

https://pocketbook.ch/en-ch/catalog/...ch-hd-3-copper

These are now sold in the U.S. (if you're in the U.S.) by Newegg.

https://www.newegg.com/pocketbook-to...1063-_-Product

EDIT: The Touch HD3 would not play Audible books. (I see you mentioned Audible in another post.)