
What Makes an App Accessible? A Guide to Essential Features
November 12, 2024
See or Be My Eyes? Comparing the Best Accessibility Apps for Visual Impairment
November 13, 2024Struggling to read your favorite books? You’re not alone. Whether it’s tiny text or dim lighting, reading can be tough when your vision isn’t as sharp. This is where apps that read books to you come into play. If you’ve got low vision or just want to rest your eyes, these apps are game-changers. They take the text and do the heavy lifting—by reading it out loud.
Why Use Apps That Read Books to You?
Let’s cut to the chase.
Not everyone can enjoy flipping through a paperback.
And that’s okay.
If you’re dealing with low vision, you might have tried magnifiers or audiobooks, but it’s not the same as having a book read directly to you in real time.
With the right accessibility apps, you can keep enjoying stories, learning new things, or catching up on the latest news—without straining your eyes.
These apps don’t just read books—they level the playing field for low vision users. Let’s dive in.
1. Voice Dream Reader: Your Personal Reading Assistant
Voice Dream Reader is one of the most popular accessibility apps out there.
It turns any text into spoken words. Imagine having a personal assistant read books, articles, PDFs, and even web pages to you.
Here’s why Voice Dream Reader is a top choice:
- It supports a variety of formats: PDF, EPUB, plain text, and even audiobooks.
- The app uses high-quality voices—no robotic droning here. It feels natural, almost like a real person talking.
- Customizable reading speed. You can slow it down or speed it up depending on what feels comfortable for you.
- Integration with Dropbox, Google Drive, and iCloud means you can pull in any document or book and start listening right away.
This app is made for anyone struggling with low vision who still wants the joy of reading without the eye strain. It’s like having a friend read to you—anytime, anywhere.
2. Speechify: Turning Text to Speech, Faster Than Ever
Ever feel like you can’t keep up with all the books you want to read?
Speechify gets it done.
This app stands out for its speed and accuracy, designed specifically for people who need quick, effortless access to text.
Why pick Speechify if you have low vision?
- It scans and reads anything: physical books, articles, and even your emails.
- Uses AI-powered voices that sound human, so you’re not listening to that dry, robotic voice.
- Syncs across devices. Start a book on your phone, and finish it on your tablet. Easy.
- Has an advanced scanning feature, so you can take a picture of a page, and the app reads it back to you.
Speechify is all about speed, so if you’re someone who likes to multitask, it’s the perfect choice. It’s like having a built-in audiobook for anything you can point your camera at.
3. NaturalReader: The Easiest Way to Read Without Your Eyes
NaturalReader is another favorite when it comes to apps that read books to you. It’s designed to be super simple, so you don’t have to deal with a ton of settings or confusing menus.
Here’s what makes NaturalReader stand out:
- It converts text, PDFs, and even Word documents into clear, spoken words.
- You can upload files or copy-paste any text, and it reads it out without a hitch.
- Offers a variety of voice options, including accents and languages, making it a great fit if you prefer a specific type of narration.
- Built-in OCR technology lets you scan printed text and convert it to audio in seconds.
This app keeps it straightforward. If you have low vision and want something that works right out of the box, NaturalReader gets it done. You can think of it as an audiobook player—but for everything.
4. Libby: Audiobooks Meet Accessibility
Ever heard of Libby? If you love books and haven’t tried it, you’re missing out. Libby connects directly to your local library, giving you access to thousands of audiobooks—for free.
Why is Libby perfect for low vision users?
- It’s not just an audiobook app—it’s an accessibility tool. You can borrow eBooks and have them read to you in real time.
- Customizable text size, color themes, and even night mode make it easy on your eyes if you prefer to read along.
- Built-in audio controls let you adjust speed and playback style. Want to slow it down? No problem.
- Seamless integration with screen readers like VoiceOver and TalkBack, so it’s friendly for everyone, even if you need extra help navigating the app.
With Libby, you don’t need to pay for books. Your local library has everything you need. It’s like getting a personal librarian who reads the books to you.
5. Kindle App with VoiceView: The Best of Both Worlds
If you’re already using a Kindle, you might not know it has a hidden superpower. The VoiceView feature on Kindle devices and apps lets you enjoy books without reading them yourself.
Why is VoiceView a game-changer for accessibility?
- It’s built into Kindle, so if you already have an eBook collection, you don’t need to switch apps or buy new books.
- Supports text-to-speech in a way that feels natural, almost like listening to a regular audiobook.
- You can use it with your Amazon Echo devices, so it’s as easy as saying, “Alexa, read my book.”
- It pairs well with screen readers, making navigation a breeze even if you struggle to see the screen.
The Kindle App with VoiceView is like having the entire Kindle library at your fingertips—but instead of reading, you get to listen. It’s an ideal pick for anyone who already uses Amazon services and wants a simple, integrated experience.
Ready to Try These Apps That Read Books to You?
We’ve covered the top 5, but there are plenty more accessibility apps out there. The key is to find one that fits your needs—whether you want fast text-to-speech, integration with your library, or a customizable reading experience. If you’ve got low vision, these tools aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential.
When you use apps that read books to you, you get back the freedom to enjoy reading again without the hassle.
Finding the Right App to Enhance Your Reading Experience
There you have it—the top 5 apps that read books to you. Each of these tools is designed with accessibility in mind, making sure that anyone, regardless of their vision, can dive into a good book without missing a beat. Whether you need a simple voice reader, an all-in-one library app, or a tool that syncs across devices, there’s an option here that fits your needs perfectly. So go ahead—pick an app, give it a try, and let your books read themselves to you.
But if you’re looking for even more control over how you view text on your screen, let me tell you about the See App.
How the See App Helps You Read Without Glasses
Imagine never squinting at your phone again.
The See App was designed specifically for those with low vision or anyone tired of their glasses fogging up every time they look at a screen. It doesn’t just adjust brightness and contrast. It’s a full-on accessibility tool that changes colors, enhances text sizes, and even inverts colors when needed.
Here’s what makes the See App stand out:
- Automatic Adjustments: Whether you’re in bright sunlight or a dim room, it adapts to give you the clearest view possible.
- Text Magnification: Bigger, bolder fonts that are easy on the eyes, even when reading long paragraphs.
- Inverted Colors: Perfect for reducing glare and helping you read comfortably, especially at night.
With the See App, — you’re reading again right from the source, without the need for glasses. It’s your vision companion, making every screen, every page, and every word easier to see.
So, whether you prefer listening or reading with enhanced visibility, there’s a perfect app for you.