Bookshare Reader mobile app now offers AI natural voices for read aloud. These voices sound more like a human narrator reading to you, with natural rhythm and feeling, that can make reading easier and more enjoyable. Each voice may be good at different kinds of reading. Here are our suggestions:
- Nora, a friendly, all purpose voice
- Sage, a warm voice for screen reader users
- Milo, a warm voice for novels and stories
- Cleo, an energetic voice for novels and stories
- Ami, a neutral voice for textbooks, math, and science
Milo, Cleo, Ami, and Sage are included at no cost for a limited time as a free preview. Nora will remain at no extra cost for all Bookshare Reader users. Over time, we plan to refine the voices and add more voices options.
How to turn on a natural voice:
- Open a book in the Bookshare Reader mobile app.
- Select the settings button (gear icon in the top right corner of the reading screen).
- In the settings panel, select Audio.
- Select the voice currently shown to open the Voice Selection screen.
- Find the Natural Voices (Beta) heading.
- Select the play button next to any voice to hear a sample.
- Select the voice you wish to use. A checkmark now appears next to the voice you chose, and its row is highlighted to show it’s on.
How to save a favorite voice
Select the Favorite button (star icon) to the left of the voice name to keep the voice handy. If you are using a screen reader it will confirm the selection, and the star icon fills in to show it’s favorited. Once favorited, the voice moves to your Favorites tab in the voice selection screen, making it easier to switch among your favorite voices.
Please Note:
- You need to be online. Reading with these voices requires an internet connection.
- You need the Bookshare Reader mobile app. These voices are only available on the mobile app. We’re working to bring them to Bookshare Reader for web soon.
- They’re new and still in a testing stage.