I've been using Speechify to read ebooks as audiobooks. Here is some of my feedback. #books #reading

Graham Bradley
16 May 202314:46

TLDRGraham shares his experience with Speechify, a text-to-speech app that converts text into audiobooks, which he's been using extensively since January. Despite some technical hiccups and the need for a constant internet connection, he finds it invaluable for accessing his large e-book library, especially indie titles not yet in audio format. He's satisfied with Speechify's diverse voice options and hopes for continued improvements, noting that it has significantly increased his reading intake in 2023.

Takeaways

  • 📚 Graham discovered Speechify through Brandon Sanderson's Kickstarter campaign, highlighting its use for audiobooks and support for indie authors.
  • 🗣️ Speechify is a text-to-speech app that can read text from various sources, including social media and news websites.
  • 🔊 The app features a wide selection of voices, including celebrity voices like Gwyneth Paltrow and Snoop Dogg, to enhance the listening experience.
  • 📱 Graham primarily uses Speechify for converting his backlog of ebooks into audiobooks, a feature that he finds particularly useful as an indie author.
  • 💸 Speechify offers a monthly subscription and a yearly option, although Graham experienced some frustration with the pricing when purchasing the yearly subscription.
  • 🔋 The text-to-speech nature of Speechify can be data-intensive and battery-draining, requiring the device's screen to remain on during playback.
  • 🎧 Unlike traditional audiobook apps, Speechify does not currently support background playback on Android devices, which can be inconvenient for users.
  • 📚 Graham has successfully converted and listened to a dozen ebooks using Speechify, despite some technical hiccups with voice selection.
  • 👍 Speechify's customer support has been responsive and helpful in resolving issues that Graham has encountered.
  • 🔄 The app has room for improvement, particularly in syncing customer support tickets between mobile and desktop platforms.
  • 🌟 Despite some drawbacks, Graham is satisfied with Speechify and sees its potential for growth and improvement, encouraging others to consider using it for skimming through ebooks.

Q & A

  • What is Speechify and how does it relate to the author Brandon Sanderson?

    -Speechify is a text-to-speech application that can be used on desktops and mobile devices to read text from various sources aloud. It was mentioned by Brandon Sanderson in the context of his Kickstarter project, where he discussed the audiobook portion of the books he was offering, highlighting its utility for his dyslexic son and its potential as an alternative to Audible.

  • Why did Graham sign up for Speechify?

    -Graham signed up for Speechify because he was looking for a service that could read his backlog of ebooks to him, and Speechify seemed like the perfect solution after hearing about it from Brandon Sanderson.

  • What are the primary uses of Speechify according to Graham?

    -Graham primarily uses Speechify for converting his ebook collection into audiobooks, which he can listen to while on the go, especially during his trucker life. He also mentions using it for reading text from social media, news websites, and other online sources.

  • How does Speechify compare to traditional audiobook services like Audible?

    -Speechify differs from traditional audiobook services as it converts text to speech in real-time, requiring an internet connection. It also offers a wide range of voices to choose from, including celebrity voices, which is not typically available with pre-recorded audiobooks on platforms like Audible.

  • What are some of the disadvantages Graham experienced with Speechify?

    -Graham mentioned that Speechify can consume a lot of data, drain the battery quickly, and sometimes revert to a robotic voice during playback. Additionally, the app requires the screen to be on while it reads text, and it does not currently run as a background audio app on Android devices.

  • How much does Speechify cost and what subscription options are available?

    -Speechify offers a monthly subscription for around seven or eight dollars, with an annual subscription option that provides a discount. Graham mentioned that he paid approximately $140 for the full year upfront after a pricing change.

  • What is the significance of DRM in relation to using Speechify?

    -DRM, or Digital Rights Management, prevents the conversion of certain ebooks into formats that can be read by Speechify. Graham had to use a third-party service called Calibre to convert non-DRM ebooks into a compatible format for Speechify.

  • How has Speechify been useful for Graham as an independent author?

    -As an independent author, Graham finds Speechify useful for accessing a wider range of books, including those by other indie authors or lesser-known authors whose works may not yet be available in audiobook format.

  • What customer support experiences has Graham had with Speechify?

    -Graham has had positive experiences with Speechify's customer support, noting that they are responsive and committed to resolving issues. However, he also mentioned a syncing issue between the mobile and desktop versions of their support tickets.

  • How many books has Graham read in 2023 using Speechify and other audiobook services?

    -Graham has read 70 books in 2023, with only six of them being in print. The majority of his reading has been facilitated by audiobook services like Speechify.

  • What are Graham's future intentions with Speechify?

    -Graham intends to continue investing in Speechify because he believes in its concept and is satisfied with its execution. He hopes that the service will continue to improve and evolve, making it even more useful for reading ebooks.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Speechify App

Graham introduces the Speechify app, which he first learned about from author Brandon Sanderson during a Kickstarter campaign. Sanderson highlighted Speechify as a beneficial tool for his dyslexic son and for managing the audiobook portion of his project. Intrigued by its capabilities, Graham, an avid audiobook listener and independent author, shares his experience with Speechify, a text-to-speech application that can read various text formats, including ebooks, and discusses his decision to subscribe despite the cost.

05:02

🔊 Speechify's Features and Limitations

The speaker delves into the specifics of Speechify, noting its real-time text-to-speech conversion that allows for a wide array of voices, including celebrity voices like Gwyneth Paltrow and Snoop Dogg. He discusses the app's data consumption, battery drain, and the necessity to keep the screen on during playback, which differs from traditional audiobook apps. Additionally, he mentions the app's inability to run in the background and the upcoming audiobook feature for Android users, which he is eagerly anticipating.

10:02

📚 Utilizing Speechify for Independent Reading

Graham explains how Speechify has become an essential tool for him as an independent author and reviewer, allowing him to convert ebooks into audio format, which he refers to as 'Poor Man's audiobooks.' He details the process of using a third-party service, Calibre, to convert Amazon's proprietary azw format into a compatible format for Speechify. Despite some technical hiccups and the need for customer support, Graham remains committed to using Speechify, appreciating its potential for improvement and its current ability to enhance his reading experience.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Speechify

Speechify is a text-to-speech application that converts written text into audible speech. It is used across various platforms, including desktops and mobile devices, and can integrate with web browsers to read text from various sources. In the video, the narrator discusses his experience using Speechify to read ebooks and mentions its utility for individuals with dyslexia, as highlighted by Brandon Sanderson's son.

💡Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a renowned fantasy author who is mentioned in the script for discussing Speechify in the context of his Kickstarter project. Sanderson's mention of Speechify brought it to the attention of the narrator, emphasizing the app's utility for audiobook creation and accessibility.

💡Text-to-Speech

Text-to-speech, or TTS, is a technology that synthesizes human-like speech from written text. The script discusses how Speechify uses TTS to enable users to listen to text from various sources, which is central to the app's functionality and the theme of the video.

💡Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects a person's ability to read fluently and with comprehension. The script mentions that one of Brandon Sanderson's sons uses Speechify due to dyslexia, illustrating the app's potential to assist those with reading difficulties.

💡Audible

Audible is a leading platform for audiobook distribution, often associated with Amazon. The narrator contrasts Speechify with Audible, discussing the advantages of using Speechify for creating personal audiobooks and the limitations of Audible's contracts with authors.

💡eBooks

eBooks are digital versions of books that can be read on electronic devices. The script discusses the narrator's backlog of eBooks and how Speechify allows him to convert these into audiobooks, thus providing a solution for reading materials that he doesn't have time to read traditionally.

💡Indie Authors

Indie authors are self-published authors who are not affiliated with traditional publishing houses. The script mentions the narrator's support for indie authors and how Speechify helps him access their works, which may not be available in audiobook format through mainstream platforms like Audible.

💡DRM (Digital Rights Management)

DRM is a technology used by publishers and copyright holders to control the use and distribution of digital content. The script discusses the limitations of DRM in the context of converting eBooks to a format compatible with Speechify, noting that DRM-protected books cannot be converted using the Calibre software mentioned.

💡Calibre

Calibre is a free and open-source software that can convert eBooks between various formats. The narrator mentions using Calibre to convert Amazon's proprietary azw format into PDF, which can then be uploaded to Speechify, highlighting the importance of format compatibility in the process of creating audiobooks from eBooks.

💡Audiobook

An audiobook is a recording of a book read aloud, often by a narrator. The script frequently refers to audiobooks, discussing the narrator's history of listening to them and how Speechify enables him to create audiobooks from his eBook collection, which is a central theme of the video.

💡Beta Voices

Beta Voices in the context of Speechify refers to a set of voices that are still in testing and may have some connectivity issues. The narrator mentions experiencing lag with Beta Voices, which is an aspect of the app's functionality that requires improvement.

Highlights

Speechify is a text-to-speech application that can be used on desktop and mobile devices.

Graham discovered Speechify through author Brandon Sanderson, who used it for his Kickstarter project.

Speechify is beneficial for individuals with dyslexia, as one of Sanderson's sons uses it to read.

The app integrates with web browsers, allowing text from any source to be read aloud.

Speechify distinguishes between body text and interactive elements like buttons effectively.

Graham primarily uses Speechify for listening to audiobooks, a habit since 2007.

Audible's ownership by Amazon and its contract policies were a concern for Sanderson and Graham.

Speechify offers a monthly subscription and an annual subscription at a discount.

The app has a variety of voices, including celebrity voices like Gwyneth Paltrow and Snoop Dogg.

Speechify requires an active data connection and keeps the device screen on for text tracking.

The app does not currently support background audio playback on Android devices.

Graham has converted 90% of his DRM-free ebooks into a compatible format for Speechify.

Speechify's customer support is responsive and helpful in resolving issues.

Graham has experienced occasional voice cutouts, reverting to a default robotic voice.

Despite some technical hiccups, Graham is satisfied with Speechify and sees its potential for improvement.

Speechify has increased Graham's reading capacity, allowing him to consume more books quickly.

The app is particularly useful for accessing independent and lesser-known authors' works.

Graham plans to provide detailed feedback to Speechify and may follow up with a video.

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