Experience with Speechify for Audiobooks: Honest Feedback

Experience with Speechify for Audiobooks: Honest Feedback

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Background: How I Discovered Speechify
3. What is Speechify?
4. Speechify for Audiobooks
5. Speechify for Independent Authors
6. Subscription Options and Pricing
7. Performance and Battery Drain
8. Voice Selection and Quality
9. Converting eBooks to Audiobooks with Speechify
10. Hiccups and Issues with Speechify
11. My Experience with Speechify
12. Conclusion

Speechify: The Revolutionary Text-to-Speech App for Audiobooks and eBooks

Introduction

Speechify is a remarkable app that has revolutionized the way we Consume written content. Whether You're an avid reader, independent author, or someone seeking a more accessible way to enjoy books, Speechify offers an innovative solution. In this article, I will share my personal experience using Speechify, its features, performance, and how it has transformed my reading habits.

Background: How I Discovered Speechify

Late last year, I stumbled upon Speechify while listening to an interview with renowned author Brandon Sanderson. Sanderson spoke about his own experience with Speechify and how it changed the audiobook portion of his Kickstarter project. Intrigued by his endorsement, I decided to give Speechify a try, and since then, it has become an integral part of my reading routine.

What is Speechify?

Speechify is a text-to-speech application available for desktop and mobile devices. Its primary function is to convert written text into an audio format, allowing users to listen to content instead of reading it. The app seamlessly integrates with various web browsers and provides a play button whenever text is encountered, making it incredibly convenient to use across different platforms.

Speechify for Audiobooks

As an avid audiobook listener, I was intrigued by Speechify's potential to enhance my listening experience. While I have been a loyal user of Audible for years, Speechify offered a refreshing alternative to the fixed recordings found in traditional audiobooks. With Speechify, I discovered a vast library of voices to choose from, including well-known celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Snoop Dogg. This diverse range of voices added a new level of immersion to my audiobook experience.

Speechify for Independent Authors

One of the standout features of Speechify is its ability to convert eBooks into audiobooks. As an independent author myself, I understand the challenges that come with getting books into audio format. Many authors, especially those starting out, may not have the resources to produce audiobooks. Speechify bridges this gap by allowing users to upload documents in various formats and transforming them into audio files. This feature has opened up a world of independent literature that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Subscription Options and Pricing

Speechify offers both a monthly subscription and an annual subscription option. The monthly subscription costs around $7 to $8 and provides access to the app's full range of features. For those committed to long-term use, the annual subscription offers a discounted rate, typically priced at around $70 to $80 for the year. While the pricing structure was initially confusing for me, I ultimately decided to invest in the full-year subscription.

Performance and Battery Drain

One drawback of Speechify is its reliance on real-time text-to-speech conversion, which can lead to data consumption and battery drain. Unlike traditional audiobooks, where the files are fixed and downloaded, Speechify uses Wi-Fi or data signal to convert text into speech on the fly. This process can be intensive on both data usage and battery life, requiring users to keep their screens on during playback. However, I have found that managing battery consumption by plugging in my device during breaks ensures uninterrupted listening.

Voice Selection and Quality

Speechify boasts an impressive array of voices, allowing users to select the most suitable voice for their preferences. Whether it's a male or female voice, a specific accent, or even celebrity impersonations, Speechify delivers on voice diversity. While the default digital voice may not be ideal for longer listening Sessions, I have enjoyed experimenting with different voices to personalize my audiobook experience.

Converting eBooks to Audiobooks with Speechify

One of the main reasons I gravitated towards Speechify was its ability to convert eBooks into audiobooks. By uploading documents in formats such as PDF or MOBI, I have been able to transform my backlog of unread eBooks into "Poor Man's audiobooks." The process involves using third-party software to convert DRM-free eBooks into compatible formats, which can then be uploaded to Speechify. This feature has been incredibly useful for both personal reading and my involvement with independent authors.

Hiccups and Issues with Speechify

While my experience with Speechify has been mostly positive, there have been a few hiccups along the way. One recurring issue I've encountered is the occasional failure of the selected Narrator voice, reverting back to the default robotic voice. However, the Speechify customer support team has been responsive and helpful in resolving these matters. Additionally, using Speechify as a background audio app and syncing tickets across different platforms have presented some challenges, but the overall quality of the app compensates for these minor inconveniences.

My Experience with Speechify

Since incorporating Speechify into my reading routine, I have been able to consume a significantly higher number of books. In 2023 alone, I have already completed 70 books, with only six being read in print. The convenience of turning eBooks into audiobooks and the diverse range of voices available have revolutionized my reading habits. While there is room for improvement, I firmly believe that Speechify has the potential to become even better over time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Speechify has introduced an innovative way to consume written content by providing a convenient and accessible text-to-speech solution. Its ability to convert eBooks into audiobooks and the plethora of voice options make it a game-changer for both avid readers and independent authors. Despite some minor hiccups and considerations regarding battery drain, Speechify has had a transformative impact on my reading experience. With further improvements and enhancements, Speechify has the potential to become the go-to app for those seeking alternative reading methods.

Highlights:

• Speechify offers a revolutionary text-to-speech experience for audiobooks and eBooks.
• The app seamlessly integrates with web browsers, allowing users to listen to text across different platforms.
• Speechify enhances audiobook listening with a diverse range of voices, including celebrity impersonations.
• Independent authors benefit from Speechify's ability to convert eBooks into audiobooks.
• Subscription options include monthly and annual plans, providing flexibility for users.
• Battery drain and data consumption can be managed by plugging in devices during listening sessions.
• Voice selection and quality vary, with the default digital voice being less suited for longer listening sessions.
• Converting eBooks into audiobooks with Speechify opens up a whole new world of literature.
• Minor hiccups, such as occasional voice failures and ticket syncing issues, are outweighed by the app's overall quality and support.
• Speechify has significantly increased the number of books I can consume, with 70 books already completed in 2023.
• Continued improvements and enhancements to Speechify could make it the leading app for alternative reading methods.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use Speechify with my preferred web browser and social media apps? A: Yes, Speechify seamlessly integrates with web browsers and works with social media apps, allowing you to listen to text wherever it appears.

Q: Can Speechify convert eBooks with DRM protection? A: Unfortunately, Speechify cannot directly convert eBooks with DRM protection. However, DRM-free eBooks can be easily converted and uploaded to Speechify for audio playback.

Q: Is Speechify available for Android devices? A: While Speechify currently supports iPhone, an Android version is in the works. Users can join the waiting list to be notified when the Android version becomes available.

Q: Can I listen to audio books with Speechify? A: Yes, Speechify offers an audiobook feature that allows users to listen to a wide range of titles. This feature is currently available for iPhone users and will be extended to Android devices in the future.

Q: How can I manage battery drain while using Speechify? A: To manage battery consumption, it is recommended to plug in your device during extended listening sessions or breaks between deliveries. This ensures uninterrupted playback while conserving battery life.