Do you want to know what text readers are and which one is the best option for you? You need to keep reading!
A Text Reader, also known as Text-to-speech (TTS), is a kind of assistive technology that reads digital text aloud. It’s also known as “read aloud” technology, and it can convert words on a computer or other digital device into audio.
These days Text-to-speech is becoming popular as they provide a high level of convenience to the readers both for personal and professional uses.
They provide improved digital accessibility to populations with learning and speech disabilities, visual impairments, and low literacy challenges across devices and platforms.
Also, it’s extremely beneficial for children who struggle with reading and it can facilitate access for people with dyslexia, or simply help you multitask and save time while studying or working.
If you don’t know much about Text-To-Speech programs but would like to start learning about them, you’re probably wondering if Text Reader, Text-To-Speech, and TTS are the same thing. The answer is yes and it’s a technology very easy to use.
How does it work?
Getting text read to you is pretty easy. For example, with Woord you only have to select the content you want to convert to speech (either a pdf, photo, ebook, or anything), or you can just simply copy and paste your text, then you click convert and that’s it!
However, because there are so many text-to-speech software available, finding a good TTS tool with natural voices can be very difficult this is why we recommend Woord.
Why Woord?
Woord is a free online TTS that has a number of useful features. It is available in over 50 languages, including several English dialects, Portuguese dialects, and Spanish dialects. You can also select a male, female, or gender-neutral voice. All of these features are available for free, allowing you to test the service before investing in the premium version.
The free edition includes premium voices, a Chrome plugin, an SSML editor, an MP3 download, and up to 20,000 characters per month. You can also change the speed and format of the voice with this software.
Woord´s vocal characteristics allow you to use it in a variety of situations. You can use Woord´s Text-to-Speech (TTS) functionality to create applications that assist people with reading difficulties, such as those used in E-learning and education.
Woord, as previously mentioned, can be used to assist the blind and visually impaired in consuming digital information such as eBooks and newspapers, but it can also be used in a variety of devices such as set-top boxes, smartwatches, tablets, and smartphones.
How to use it?
Woord‘s interface is designed in a simple way to be intuitive for the user. With these simple steps you will be able to generate quality audio:
1- In the format you prefer, write or upload the content you want to convert to speech (it can be an image, PDF, text file, blog, or a variety of other formats).
2- Select the language, voice gender (male or female), and pace. (From within the PDF, you can also choose where to begin playing.)
3- You can listen to or download your audio recording as an MP3 file online.
Also published on Medium.