kindle reading to you

[Accmowrey]

I have heard that the kindle will read books to you.  Is this so?? Thank you for your time.

[BTackitt]

It will, but not at the same level as an audio book. It's not bad, and I got used to it while having it read my lecture notes to me during my drive to/from college last semester. You have 3 different speed options, and the choice of male/female voice.

[Vegas_Asian]

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsnCwQTqbzM" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsnCwQTqbzM</a>

[kindlegrl81]

It is a computerized voice that reads phonetically.  I don't find it very pleasing so the only time I use it is if I'm at the gym; I turn the volume down to zero and have it turn the pages for me.  Some people find it helpful though.

[history_lover]

I use it for non-fiction since there doesn't need to be much emotion in the voice for that. Apart from the occasionally mispronounced word, it's pretty good. But it's far too robotic and emotionless to use it with a novel, in my opinion.

[Hoosiermama]

Also, not all books have the text to voice option. The publisher has to allow it, I believe.

[history_lover]

Also, not all books have the text to voice option. The publisher has to allow it, I believe.

That's true but I think unlike with the lending option, most of them support TTS. At least most the historical non-fiction I'm into seem to support it.

[Rory Miller]

If you are used to hearing robots speak or slightly better versions of the old speak and spell, then you will love it!

[Me and My Kindle]

In theory, this means you can listen to your Kindle while you're driving.  (Just put it in your passenger seat, and have it start reading to you.)

But I'm curious -- is there anybody in these forums who's actually using the Kindle text-to-speech feature?

[gina1230]

I'll use it on a limited basis, in the morning while getting dressed and then on my way to/from work.  I much prefer to listen to audio on my ipod though.

[JCPie]

I had no idea it did this. I will have to check it out.

[history_lover]

In theory, this means you can listen to your Kindle while you're driving.  (Just put it in your passenger seat, and have it start reading to you.)

But I'm curious -- is there anybody in these forums who's actually using the Kindle text-to-speech feature?

As I've already mentioned, I use it for non-fiction since there doesn't need to be much emotion in the voice for that.

[Sage]

I've used text-to-speech for non-fiction books a few times. Personally, I find the female voice more pleasant to listen to than the male voice. I think it's pretty good in a pinch but it may take some getting used to.

[violingal13]

I actually use TTS quite a lot. Sure, it's not the same as an audiobook, but it allows me to keep "reading" whatever book I'm in while doing other things (washing dishes, pretty much any cleaning except vacuuming, driving). It's also useful when doing the stretching portion of exercising, as having your nose to your knee is not a conducive position to reading something visually Honestly, as someone who has played with various screen-readers over the years, the TTS is really pretty good as far as electronic voices go. I find myself using it for novels, etc. more than technical materials, because it's easier for me to audibly follow the train of thought in a story than in factual information (I am generally a visual learner, and have the same problem with audiobooks). The robotic voice does take a little getting used to (I find the male voice more understandable than the female), but it was actually a significant selling point for me in getting the kindle, and I still love it!

I realize, though, that I'm probably in the minority... 

[Soybomb]

I don't think robo-kindle is too bad at what it does.  I've changed it to the female voice and kicked the speed up a few times.  It sounds a bit silly but if I'm having a day where I'm easily distracted or my mind is wandering a lot it helps keep me focused on the book.

[DreamWeaver]

I also use text-to-speech (TTS) quite often. I use it when reading books for pleasure, and it's also come in handy for proofreading. I listen to the voice while following the text with my eyes, and I do catch more errors that way. I prefer the male voice, but I think I'm going to give the female voice another try.

For anyone not yet familiar with Kindle's text-to-speech, it can be accessed by pressing the "Aa" button on the keyboard when you have a book open. The pages are turned automatically. Not all publishers enable TTS, but it's been my experience that most do. While the voice is reading, you can press the space bar to pause and restart TTS. When TTS is being used, you can press "Aa" to change the speed and male/female voice. Some people turn the volume off and use it to automatically advance pages as they read.

It's certainly not perfect, but I like it more than I thought I would.

[Toby]

I listen to the TTS everyday, when I'm getting ready or cleaning up after dinner.

[faithxmarie]

I've used TTS on my ride to and from work.  I really only use it if I am into a book that I can't put it down.  IMO, the female voice sounds much better than the male voice.  For whatever reason, her speech flows better.  It is a lot different than an audio book, but if I don't have to spend an extra $20, I'm all for it.

[caracara]

I use the TTS sometimes. I prefer the female voice. I will listen to fantasy on it, very entertaining when it comes to names. I find it useful when its dark or when my hands are busy. After a while the voice will wear on me and I just kill it and read on my own, but I can go for awhile before this happens.

[Labnick]

I use it all the time while commuting.  I also slip on my headphones when walking my dog.  I prefer the female voice at the fastest speed.  I am used of the computerized voice that I really don't mind it at all!