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e-Ink e-Readers with Text-to-speech support
November 24, 2023 | Author: Dhaval Parekh
One significant advantage of text-to-speech e-readers is their accessibility and inclusivity for a wide range of readers, including those with visual impairments or reading difficulties. Text-to-speech technology converts written text into spoken words, allowing users to listen to the content instead of reading it visually. This feature enables individuals with visual challenges to enjoy books, articles, and other written materials without relying on traditional printed text. Moreover, text-to-speech e-readers often come with adjustable reading speeds and voice options, accommodating individual preferences and comfort levels. For those with dyslexia or other reading difficulties, text-to-speech e-readers can be an invaluable tool for improving reading comprehension and making the reading experience more enjoyable and accessible. Overall, text-to-speech e-readers promote inclusivity and equal access to information and literature, making them a valuable asset for all readers regardless of their abilities.
See also: Top 10 e-Readers
See also: Top 10 e-Readers
2023. Bigme introduced its first 7-inch e-note - B751
Bigme has introduced the B751, a compact e-note device equipped with a 7-inch E Ink display. Beyond its sleek design, the Bigme e-note stands out for its advanced AI technology, achieving a speech-to-text accuracy of over 98%. With support for 36 languages and 27 dialects, the device offers features such as translation, transcription, intelligent summarization, smart chat, intelligent creation, smart drawing, and intelligent translation. The package includes a 4096-level pressure-sensitive stylus, and the device operates on a 3000 mAh battery, running on the Android 11 open system for seamless cloud reading and writing. Additional features include physical page-turning buttons, external OTG expansion for enhanced versatility, and compatibility with accessories like keyboards, mice, and headphones. Priced at $240 USD, the Bigme e-note combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly functionality.
2023. Pocketbook unveiled Verse e-reader with Text-to-speech
Pocketbook has unveiled a pair of fresh e-readers, namely the Verse and Verse Pro, both sporting 6-inch screens. These latest iterations take the place of the Touch Lux 5 and Touch HD 3 models. Notably, the Verse Pro boasts an audio output functionality through Text-to-Speech. Transitioning from reading to listening is a breeze – a mere double-click sets the e-reader in motion, reciting the content aloud as you carry on with your daily tasks. The naturally expressive Text-to-Speech voices ensure that every nuance and emphasis of the book remains intact. On top of this, the Pro variant is also water-resistant, adhering to the IPX8 standard. This advanced model comes at a price of $169.99. On the other hand, the PocketBook Verse presents an economical option at $129.99, equipped with an E Ink Carta touchscreen and SMARTlight technology. Both e-readers share common features such as a MicroSD slot supporting up to 128GB of added storage, USB-C connectivity, G-sensor functionality, WiFi capabilities, and a 1500 mAh battery. Furthermore, they maintain identical dimensions, measuring at 108 × 156 × 7.6 mm.
2023. iReader Neo e-Readers come with AI for Text-to-speech function
iReader's recent addition to their product lineup is the Neo series, which are dedicated e-readers that lack note-taking capabilities. The Neo and Neo Pro are the two models available, with the Neo having 212 PPI and the Neo Pro boasting 300 PPI. The Neo Pro is priced at $230, which is $40 more than the standard model, and both devices operate on Android. One notable feature of the iReader Neo e-readers is their intelligent optimization technology. This technology includes an intelligent edge trimming function that automatically detects the format of the PDF book content, allowing for easier PDF rearrangement and the ability to adjust font, font size, typesetting, and more. Additionally, the AI technology allows for text-to-speech reading, contrast enhancement, and one-click smart PDF watermark removal, which enhances the overall reading experience, especially when viewing magazines or comics. Another standout feature of the Neo e-reader series is its support for English, with an integrated dictionary that provides instant translation of words in the book. Furthermore, the devices offer a language learning mode that provides real-time content translation.
2021. Onyx BOOX Nova Air - 7.8 inch E Ink tablet
The Onyx BOOX Nova Air is a new E Ink tablet sporting a 7.8-inch E Ink Carta display with a resolution of 1872 x 1404 pixels. It offers both finger and pen touch support, and runs on Android 10-based software. Priced at $350 and currently available for pre-order, the Nova Air serves as a versatile device for reading eBooks, taking notes, and utilizing third-party applications accessible through the BOOX Store or sideloaded from other sources. Onyx has ensured broad compatibility by supporting over 10 different text file formats, as well as various image formats including JPG, PNG, TIFF, and BMP. Additionally, the Nova Air includes text-to-speech functionality, enabling users to listen to books being read aloud through the device's built-in speakers or headphone jack.
2016. Amazon released Kindle Paperwhite USB Audio Bundle
Amazon has introduced a new USB audio bundle designed to enhance the accessibility features of Kindle e-Readers. This bundle enables users to receive audio prompts when interacting with menus and utilizes text-to-speech functionality for listening to e-books. The VoiceView for Kindle feature employs Amazon's natural language text-to-speech voices, providing visually impaired customers with the ability to enjoy Kindle books. By connecting the USB audio dongle to headphones or speakers, users can not only listen to books but also navigate the user interface using audio cues. Currently, the adapter is only compatible with the latest generation Kindle Paperwhite, but Amazon has plans to expand its availability to other models, such as the Kindle Voyage and Kindle Oasis, in the future.
2014. Pocketbook InkPad with Text-to-Speech announced
Pocketbook, a Ukrainian company with a consistent track record in manufacturing e-readers since 2007, has introduced a new device called InkPad that focuses on providing an expansive reading experience with its impressive eight-inch display. Utilizing E Ink Pearl technology, the device boasts the highest screen resolution available for such e-readers, with an impressive 1600×1200 pixel resolution. This high resolution enables users to adjust font sizes without compromising clarity. Equipped with a powerful 1GHz CPU and 512MB of RAM, the InkPad ensures smooth page-turning and stable performance across various applications. With 4GB of internal memory, expandable up to 32GB, users can amass a substantial library that is easily accessible at their fingertips. Additionally, the device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for audiobook or music playback. Notably, Pocketbook has integrated Text to Speech functionality in this model, allowing users to have books read aloud to them.
2012. Amazon unveils Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle 5
In the ongoing competition among e-readers, Amazon has recently introduced two new devices, namely the affordable Kindle 5 and the "frontlit" Kindle Paperwhite. The latter model is set to rival the Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight and Kobo Glo. While all these e-readers allow for reading in the dark, the Paperwhite appears to outshine its competitors. Its screen offers a nearly perfect white display, whereas the Nook still retains a slight grayish tinge. Furthermore, Amazon has made improvements to the battery life, claiming up to eight weeks of usage even with the light turned on, surpassing the Nook's one-month estimate. The Kindle Paperwhite features a touch screen and serves as a replacement for the Kindle Touch in Amazon's e-reader lineup. Notably, the Paperwhite lacks audio capabilities and Text-to-Speech functionality, resulting in a more compact and lightweight device. It comes with 2 GB of storage, a reduction from previous Kindle models that offered 4 GB. The Paperwhite is priced at $179 for the Wi-Fi/3G version and $119 for Wi-Fi only, with an additional $20 charge for removing special offers from the lock screens (although it may go unnoticed by most users). For reference, the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight (Wi-Fi) is priced at $139. As for the second model, the Kindle 5 is the latest iteration of the basic Kindle e-reader, offering no significant changes compared to the Kindle 4 except for a color change from gray to black. However, it is priced $10 cheaper at just $69 (with Special Offers). For more information, you can also explore: Why you need a Kindle collection manager.
