This Kindle hack is like getting audiobooks without spending a dime

Whereas I primarily choose studying books on my Kindle e-reader, I do not thoughts listening to audiobooks whereas on the go. Particularly throughout commutes or lengthy flights and practice rides, I discover listening to an audiobook typically extra calming than listening to music. So once I realized that Amazon had updated its Kindle software to incorporate a brand new guide listening characteristic, I used to be intrigued.

Listening to audiobooks on Kindle units is not new, because it has been attainable by way of Audible for some time. Nonetheless, Amazon’s newest replace to its Kindle units, model 5.18.5, added a brand new characteristic known as Assistive Reader, which may learn your Kindle books out loud to you in case your guide helps it. Moreover, when you’re listening, the textual content being learn to you is highlighted in your display screen, making it simpler to observe alongside.

I just lately determined to attempt Kindle’s new Assistive Reader characteristic, and I used to be fairly impressed by it, because it basically turns your Kindle e-books into an audiobook. Plus, it is accessible, simple to make use of, and fully free. When you’re additionally fascinated with giving Assistive Reader a attempt, this is what you will must do to get it in your Kindle, and easy methods to use it.

How you can use Assistive Reader in your Kindle

You may must replace your Kindle for it to look

Earlier than you should use Assistive Reader, you will want to verify your Kindle e-reader is on the most recent replace. The brand new characteristic is a part of software update 5.18.5, which is supported by eleventh and Twelfth-generation Kindles, the Kindle Colorsoft, and the Kindle Scribe.

To examine which model your Kindle is operating, you will must go to Settings > Gadget Choices. From there, faucet on Software program Updates. If the pop-up in your display screen says you are on model 5.18.5 (or newer), then you definitely’re all set. If it reveals you are on an older model, you will must replace your Kindle. If it does not mechanically replace, and your Kindle tells you it is on the most recent model when it is clearly not, you’ll be able to manually replace it your self. I needed to manually replace my Kindle to get the replace, as my Kindle merely did not wish to replace mechanically. When you need assistance studying easy methods to manually replace your Kindle, you’ll be able to try my other Pocket-lint story about how to do this simply.

When you’re on the most recent Kindle replace, you’ll use the Assistive Reader characteristic. Nonetheless, there may be nonetheless one other caveat. Since Kindle e-readers do not have audio system, you will want a Bluetooth audio gadget to have the ability to use the characteristic. When you have any Bluetooth headphones, like Apple’s AirPods, that may do the trick. I used AirPods with my Kindle, and it labored with out subject. To pair headphones along with your Kindle, head to Settings > Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and toggle on Bluetooth. As soon as you have performed that, choose Bluetooth units slightly below it. Hit the pairing button in your headphones, they usually’ll pop up in your Kindle’s display screen to pair.

Together with your headphones linked and your Kindle updated, you are now able to check out Assistive Reader. Here is easy methods to do it step-by-step:

1. Open your Kindle library and decide a title to take heed to.

2. As soon as your guide is open, faucet close to the highest of the display screen to carry up the studying settings menu.

3. Within the studying settings menu, choose the “Aa” possibility.

4. A brand new menu will seem on the backside of your display screen. Faucet Extra .

5. If Assistive Reader is supported, you will see an choice to allow it.

6. As soon as you have performed that, faucet out of that menu and open up the studying menu once more.

7. On the backside of your display screen, you will see an choice to begin taking part in Assistive Reader, together with choices to rewind and enhance the velocity.

When you do not see an choice to allow Assistive Reader within the guide you have chosen, it is possible as a result of it is not supported. To make use of it, a guide should assist “Enhanced Typesetting,” in line with Amazon. To search out out which books assist Enhanced Typesetting and which do not, you will must go to the Kindle Retailer, discover your guide, and examine if it lists Enhanced Typesetting within the characteristic checklist.

Assistive Reader is a helpful accessibility characteristic

It does not sound nearly as good as an audiobook, but it surely’s nonetheless helpful nonetheless

I’ve used the Assistive Reader characteristic on a number of books now, listening with my AirPods Professional, and I actually discovered the expertise to be fairly good. I like how one can regulate the narration velocity — both slowing it down or rushing it up — and the way simple it’s to pause or rewind. Plus, with the ability to observe together with the highlighted textual content because it’s learn aloud may be very useful. For individuals who want an additional hand, Assistive Reader serves as a strong accessibility characteristic.

My largest critique of Assistive Reader is the generic AI voice it makes use of. It isn’t precisely nice to take heed to for lengthy intervals, however I suppose it will get the job performed. I do perceive why Amazon selected an AI voice, although. First, it’s a free accessibility characteristic, and second, it nonetheless encourages you to purchase audiobooks for a extra pure, skilled narration.

General, for a free characteristic added with a software program replace for eleventh and Twelfth-generation Kindles, the Kindle Colorsoft, and the Kindle Scribe, Assistive Reader is great. It is a main step ahead for accessibility, and if you would like your Kindle guide learn aloud, it is a easy manner to take action — should you do not thoughts the generic AI voice.