Johannes Gottwald
Senior Editor

While text-to-speech (TTS) is a highly practical feature for digital reading, it remains surprisingly uncommon among Android reading applications. Major platforms like Kindle, Nook, and Kobo currently lack native TTS support. Furthermore, while the Android operating system includes "Talkback," this is an accessibility suite designed to narrate every menu and interaction, making it cumbersome for those who simply want a book read aloud. High-profile apps such as Feedly and OverDrive also fail to integrate with Talkback effectively.

The following is a breakdown of Android reading apps that offered TTS functionality as of April 2015.

### Google Play Books
This is the standout option among major mainstream ebook platforms. It provides reliable TTS with decent audio quality. Users can customize the experience by installing secondary TTS engines or adjusting pitch and speed within the system’s accessibility settings.
* **Formats:** EPUB and PDF.

### FBReader
TTS is available here via an external plugin. While the configuration process can be repetitive and slightly temperamental, the app allows users to replace the subpar stock voice with high-quality alternatives like Ivona.
* **Formats:** EPUB, Mobi, FB2, RTF, HTML, and Doc.

### Moon+ Reader
The premium (paid) version of this app includes TTS capabilities. It is noted for having a more robust set of playback controls compared to its competitors and performs consistently well.
* **Formats:** EPUB, Mobi, FB2, PDF, CHM, and more.

### ezPDF Reader
For users specifically working with PDFs, ezPDF is a top-tier choice. Although it is a paid application, its TTS implementation is polished and effective, making it a worthwhile investment for professional or academic use.
* **Formats:** PDF.

### Voice Aloud Reader
Primarily designed as a TTS utility rather than a dedicated library manager, this app can "read" content shared from web browsers or news apps like Feedly. It is particularly useful for handling specialized office formats.
* **Formats:** DOCX, ODT, PDF, HTML, and experimental EPUB support.

### Pocketbook
While the TTS feature is present, it is somewhat hidden behind a specific long-press gesture. Once activated, however, it integrates well with third-party voice engines.
* **Formats:** EPUB, PDF, DJVU, FB2, and others.

### Content Aggregators: Pocket and Instapaper
Both major "read-it-later" services offer TTS for saved web articles. Instapaper’s implementation is generally considered superior due to a cleaner interface, whereas Pocket’s playback controls tend to obstruct the text on the screen.

### Minor Options and Warnings
* **Mantano:** While the paid version lists TTS as a feature, its performance is often too inconsistent to recommend for purchase.
* **CoolReader:** Although the feature is listed, the audio quality and execution are poor.

### Editor’s Recommendation
For a seamless, free experience that includes an integrated bookstore and cross-device syncing, Google Play Books is the best overall choice. Power users may prefer the versatility of Moon+ Reader or ezPDF, especially when paired with a high-quality voice engine like Ivona to replace the standard Android system voice.

In the evolving landscape of digital publishing, professional editors are considering whether a formal certification process could help distinguish high-quality ebooks for readers. The concept involves an editor providing a "seal of approval" to verify that a manuscript has undergone a rigorous professional review.

While no book—whether digital or print—is likely to be entirely free of errors, the goal of such a certification would be to minimize blatant mistakes and ensure a refined, focused narrative. By offering a tangible mark of quality, editors could provide authors with a valuable marketing tool to help their titles stand out in a saturated marketplace.

However, implementing such a system presents significant logistical hurdles. Experts have raised questions regarding the metrics for these standards: Who would establish the criteria? What would be the consequences for failing to meet them? Furthermore, there is the issue of post-certification changes made by the author and the difficulty of defining a "professional editor" in an industry that lacks a central governing body or national standards organization.

Creating a unified organization to oversee these standards seems unlikely given the independence of most freelance editors. As an alternative, individual editors could issue their own quality guarantees. This would serve to reassure consumers that the ebook is free of common distractions, such as homophone errors (e.g., "your" versus "you’re") or continuity lapses regarding character descriptions.

For this to be effective, there must be accountability. Suggestions for enforcement include offering readers a refund or financial compensation if they discover a significant number of errors in a certified book. While this could increase trust, it also introduces the challenge of determining what number of mistakes is considered acceptable.

There are potential benefits for all parties involved:
* **Editors:** Certification could act as a competitive advantage to attract more clients.
* **Authors:** A quality seal provides a way to differentiate their work from the flood of self-published content.
* **Consumers:** Readers would have a reliable method for filtering out unpolished manuscripts.

The financial aspect remains a point of contention. Editors might require a premium fee for the additional liability of certification, yet authors have no guarantee that this investment will translate into higher sales.

Currently, many readers rely on free digital samples to judge the quality of a book’s prose. While these samples can reveal basic grammatical competence, they do not necessarily reflect the overall strength of the plot or pacing. Despite the complexities of establishing a formal system, proponents argue that a combination of competitive pricing and a visible assurance of quality may be the best way for authors to capture the attention of a limited reading audience.

To gain insight into how digital literature reaches its audience, a survey was conducted on MobileRead, a prominent online community for ebook enthusiasts. Participants were asked to identify the primary factor that influences their decision to purchase a new book. The results, though specific to a highly engaged demographic, offer valuable strategic guidance for independent authors and publishers.

The survey offered twelve distinct choices and required respondents to select only their top priority. Out of 206 participants, nearly one-third (29%) cited online peer recommendations—such as those found on blogs, forums, and message boards—as their main driver. Interestingly, only 4% prioritized suggestions from family or personal friends. This suggests that digital readers may place higher value on the collective expertise found in specialized online communities than on their immediate social circles.

The second most popular strategy, chosen by 18% of respondents, was seeking out works by established favorite authors. This highlights the importance of author branding; once a writer gains a reader’s confidence, that reader is likely to remain loyal to avoid the perceived risk of a disappointing new purchase.

The data also revealed that digital book discovery is highly fragmented. While the top two categories represented nearly half of the responses, the remaining 53% were spread across various methods. Notably, "random browsing" emerged as a major force when several smaller categories were combined. About 25% of readers find books by scanning cover art (7%), checking reviews after a random find (7%), or exploring other works by an author after reading a free sample (5%). A small portion (4%) even browse physical bookstores before purchasing the digital version online.

Traditional media appears to have lost its influence among early adopters, with only 3% of the MobileRead community relying on print reviews. Bestseller lists and automated retailer suggestions also performed poorly, each garnering only 3% to 5% of the vote. While the survey coordinator acknowledged that these figures might have been higher if users could select multiple options, the results underscore a shift: over 90% of book discovery for this group now occurs through digital channels.

For authors and publishers, these findings suggest a multi-pronged approach to marketing:
* **Prioritize Quality:** Word-of-mouth is the strongest driver, but it requires a high-quality story that generates discussion.
* **Engage Online Hubs:** Influential readers congregate in digital forums; reaching these "super-fans" is essential for visibility.
* **Optimize Presentation:** Since many readers still "browse the shelves" digitally, professional cover design and compelling descriptions are vital for converting casual browsers into buyers.
* **Broad Distribution:** Ensuring a book is available across all platforms increases the odds of a reader stumbling upon it randomly.

While some critics noted that the MobileRead audience may not represent the average consumer, others argued that the findings reflect how ebook platforms currently force users to shop, emphasizing a move away from traditional browsing toward search-based and community-driven discovery.

While the Kindle Scout program has generated significant debate among authors, many writers believe it offers a unique opportunity despite the inherent risks. Benjamin Sobieck recently detailed his decision to submit his crime thriller, *The Invisible Hand*, to the new platform. After a quick vetting process, Amazon approved his campaign to launch on October 28. Below are the primary reasons why this program may be a viable path for modern authors.

**1. Efficient Turnaround**
Traditional publishing and even certain self-publishing routes can be incredibly time-consuming. For authors facing personal time constraints—such as Sobieck, who is preparing for the birth of a child—the 45-day decision window offered by Kindle Scout is highly attractive compared to months of querying agents.

**2. Solving the Problem of Visibility**
The digital book market is currently oversaturated, making it difficult for even high-quality novels to be discovered. Kindle Scout offers authors a chance to leverage Amazon’s internal marketing tools and algorithms. Gaining this type of institutional support can provide a significant advantage in a crowded marketplace.

**3. Financial and Contractual Security**
While writing rarely comes with guarantees, the Kindle Scout program offers a $1,500 advance and a Kindle Press contract. For many, this provides a stable foundation. Additionally, the typical contract allows authors to retain certain rights, such as print rights, which can be shopped to other entities.

**4. The Rise of Curated Content**
As the e-book market grows, readers are increasingly looking for curated experiences. Much like a grocery store is more efficient than a random assortment of goods, a curated platform helps readers find what they want. Kindle Scout acts more like a "farmer’s market organizer" than a traditional gatekeeper, establishing a professional framework for how books are presented to the public.

**5. Early Adoption and Experimentation**
History suggests that those who join Amazon programs in their infancy often reap the greatest rewards. While Sobieck continues to use traditional publishing for specialized projects—such as his reference guide, *Weapons for Writers*—he views Kindle Scout as the right venue for experimental fiction.

**6. Evaluating Exclusivity**
Critics often point to Amazon’s exclusivity requirements as a downside. However, for many unpublished works, the alternative is often a book that earns nothing at all. If the program fails to yield a contract, the author is only out 45 days of time and can still pursue traditional KDP or other publishing avenues.

**7. Revenue Goals**
Ultimately, writing is a profession, and the goal is to generate income. The combination of an upfront advance and Amazon’s massive retail reach makes Kindle Scout an appealing financial prospect for writers looking to monetize their work effectively.

While Kindle Scout may not be the perfect fit for every creator, for those looking for a mix of marketing support and a quick path to market, it represents a calculated risk worth taking.

Reports of a higher-capacity Google Nexus 7 tablet have surfaced following an accidental shipment in Japan. While the tech industry widely anticipated that Google would eventually upgrade the storage on its flagship 7-inch tablet, the arrival of a 32GB version has occurred much sooner than industry analysts predicted.

The leak originated from a Japanese consumer who purchased what was supposed to be a 16GB Nexus 7. Upon receiving the device, the owner discovered that the warehouse had inadvertently sent a 32GB unit—a model that has not yet been officially announced by Google. Evidence of the mistake appeared on social media, where the user, tweeting under the handle @oppese, shared a photograph of the device’s system settings confirming the increased storage capacity.

It appears the logistical error occurred because the 32GB tablet was packaged inside a box intended for the 16GB version. This packaging discrepancy allowed the unreleased hardware to bypass inventory controls. While the misplaced box helped confirm the tablet’s existence, it also limited the amount of information available; had the unit been in its correct retail packaging, barcodes or serial numbers might have offered further clues regarding the retail price or an official launch date.

Nevertheless, the fact that these devices are already boxed and entering the supply chain suggests a commercial release is imminent. Logistics of this nature typically indicate that a formal product launch is no more than two weeks away.

The timing of this discovery is particularly significant given the competitive landscape of the tablet market. Rumors suggest that Apple is preparing to announce the "iPad Mini" very soon. By expanding the Nexus 7’s storage capabilities now, Google may be attempting to solidify its position in the small-tablet market before Apple’s new hardware can overshadow the competition. Despite the accidental nature of this reveal, it confirms that Google is ready to offer a more robust hardware option to consumers in the immediate future.

An anonymous Chinese electronics manufacturer has released a functional "iWatch" clone, predating the launch of Apple’s official wearable. While the tech world awaits specific details regarding the authentic Apple device’s aesthetics, cost, and functionality, the K1 iWatch is already being sold and shipped globally for approximately $100.

The K1 iWatch features specifications that distinguish it as a standalone "watch phone" rather than a traditional companion smartwatch. It is equipped with a 1.8-inch screen (220×176 resolution), a VGA camera capable of recording video, an internal microSD slot, a headphone jack, and Bluetooth connectivity. Notably, it includes a SIM card slot, allowing it to operate independently of a smartphone. Reports suggest the device is compatible with US carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile, though the potential absence of an integrated microphone may necessitate the use of a Bluetooth headset for voice calls.

While the device features a user interface clearly modeled after Apple’s iOS, its origins are not actually tied to recent leaks. Although rumors regarding an Apple wearable have intensified over the last several months, the K1 has existed for some time; promotional footage for the device surfaced as early as 2011 and 2012. Rather than being based on leaked hardware designs, the K1 appears to have been modeled after a 2010 conceptual design created by ADR Studios.

This development highlights the fact that the smartwatch sector is a well-established niche rather than a new innovation. Manufacturers such as Sony, Casio, and Motorola (Google) have previously released models, and the market includes crowdfunded successes like the Pebble. On various Chinese retail sites, dozens of similar watch-phone variations are currently available for purchase.

Industry analysts draw parallels between the current state of wearables and the smartphone market of late 2006. Prior to the iPhone’s debut, smartphones had existed for over half a decade as niche products. It was Apple’s entry that transitioned the technology into the mainstream. While many observers expect a similar trajectory for the smartwatch, it remains to be seen if Apple will introduce a design revolutionary enough to replicate its previous success in the mobile phone industry.

In a new initiative to highlight the expansion of wireless connectivity across its transit system, New York City has launched "Subway Reads." This promotional campaign provides commuters with free digital book samples and short stories, coinciding with the rollout of Wi-Fi services in underground stations. The program, which is scheduled to run for approximately eight weeks, is a collaborative effort involving city officials and Transit Wireless, the technology provider responsible for the network infrastructure.

According to details from the New York Times and official government statements, the platform allows travelers to access reading material directly on their smartphones or tablets. One unique feature of the service is its "read-on-time" navigation, which categorizes content by length. Passengers can select a 10-page excerpt for a short 10-minute commute, or opt for 20- or 30-page selections for longer journeys. While the initiative is designed to celebrate the milestone of bringing internet access to 175 stations, the reading materials themselves are accessible via a mobile-optimized website to anyone, regardless of whether they are currently on a subway platform.

The partnership with Penguin Random House mirrors a successful marketing strategy previously implemented on the London Underground. This type of digital literary promotion is becoming increasingly common, with similar "read-on-the-go" programs having appeared in airports, hotels, museums, and on various forms of public transportation. For the NYC launch, Subway Reads is featuring five specific short-form works. This includes modern titles from authors such as Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, and Alexander McCall Smith, alongside classic literature from F. Scott Fitzgerald and Edgar Allan Poe. In addition to these featured stories, the library contains roughly 160 excerpts from both fiction and non-fiction Penguin titles.

Because the content is delivered through a single-page web format, readers can load a story at the station and continue reading even if they lose their connection while the train is in motion. Each digital excerpt also provides direct links to online retailers like Amazon, encouraging users to purchase the full editions if they enjoy the preview. While the Wi-Fi infrastructure is permanent, the Subway Reads library itself is a limited-time offering intended to introduce commuters to the convenience of underground digital connectivity.

While several companies provide book-to-digital conversion services, most carry a high price tag. One outlier is 1DollarScan.com, which markets a base price of just $1.00. Curiosity about this low-cost model led me to test the service, though I found the final cost and process more nuanced than the name suggests.

The company’s pricing structure is actually based on "sets" of 100 pages. For example, a book totaling 302 pages is billed as four sets, the same as a 400-page book. This page count encompasses every sheet of paper in the book, including unnumbered pages. While the basic $1.00 fee covers a standard 300 dpi scan, essential features like searchable text (OCR) or custom file naming cost extra. To simplify this, the service offers monthly subscriptions: "Platinum Lite" provides 10 sets for $14.99, while the full "Platinum" tier offers 100 sets for $99.99. These memberships include many add-ons and can be managed via PayPal.

Subscriptions cover features like high-speed processing, "rescan insurance," and the ability to ship books directly from Amazon. Higher resolution 600 dpi scans or professional touch-ups incur additional fees. For a high-volume user on the $100 monthly plan, one could digitize roughly 25 average-sized books. Factoring in the cost of shipping about 35 pounds of books to their California facility via Media Mail adds roughly $18 to the total venture.

It is important to understand that this is a destructive scanning process. To digitize the book, the service removes the spine and covers, turning the book into a stack of loose sheets. These pages are fed through high-speed scanners, such as the Canon DR-6010C, which can process 500 pages in minutes. Once the digital file is verified and downloaded by the customer, the original paper is pulped. The company argues this "format shifting" does not violate copyright, as a new copy isn’t being created—one is simply replacing the other. However, legal pressure from publishers like McGraw-Hill suggests this remains a contentious area.

In terms of quality, the results are generally functional. My tests showed that even at 600 dpi, text can appear slightly soft due to "descreening" filters used to prevent visual interference in images. While some users report high satisfaction with the accuracy and clarity, others may find the text less crisp than a native ebook.

One might consider a DIY approach, but the initial investment is significant. A manual paper cutter and a reliable sheet-fed scanner would cost at least $650, plus approximately $170 for professional OCR software. Unless you intend to digitize hundreds of books, the $800 startup cost and the significant labor involved make the professional service more economical for most.

Ultimately, the value of this service depends on the content. A 300 dpi PDF is difficult to read on small smartphone screens or basic e-readers. However, for reference materials or research books that take up physical space, the ability to search text and copy-paste passages is invaluable. While perhaps not ideal for poetry or art books, digitizing a reference library is a practical way to preserve information while clearing out physical clutter.

A new Slick-branded e-reader from Southern Telecom recently appeared in FCC filings, indicating an upcoming release. While the specific launch date and retail price remain unconfirmed for the model, designated as the ER-701, several technical details have emerged from the documentation.

The ER-701 features a 7-inch display, matching the screen size of the brand’s previous models. Hardware specifications include a microSD card slot for expandable memory, though the internal flash storage capacity has not been specified. While early analysis suggested the inclusion of Wi-Fi—which would typically allow for web browsing and access to the integrated Kobo bookstore—subsequent updates to the report clarify that the device actually lacks wireless connectivity. Consequently, users will likely need to manage their libraries via a wired connection.

The device’s interface and internal design appear to originate from Gajah, a developer known for producing hardware for various brands like Elonex. Initial reports attributed the device’s performance to a Rockchip processor; however, a closer inspection of similar models suggests the ER-701 may utilize a BoxChip CPU instead. Multimedia capabilities, including ebook rendering and audio/video playback, are expected to be functional but basic, consistent with other budget-friendly devices sharing this architecture.

The physical design of the ER-701 includes a directional pad and dedicated buttons for navigation and page turns. Because the device lacks a touchscreen, manual navigation will be the primary method of interaction. Recent updates from Southern Telecom indicate that the ER-701 is scheduled for a December 2011 release. There is currently no information regarding the status of other e-reader prototypes previously showcased by the company at CES 2011.

Amazon recently released firmware version 5.10.3 for its Kindle e-readers. While the company provided almost no official details regarding the contents of the update—omitting even the standard "performance enhancements" note—reports from the user community suggest substantial improvements.

According to discussions on the MobileRead forums, Kindle owners are seeing significant gains in speed. Specifically, users have reported that books open much faster than before and that the response time for turning pages has been noticeably shortened. These observations have been echoed by readers across social media, who confirm that the device’s overall responsiveness feels snappier.

The 5.10.3 update is available for a wide range of Kindle hardware. This includes the current generation of devices, the Voyage, and the older entry-level Kindle. Compatibility research indicates that nearly every model released since the second-generation Kindle Paperwhite is eligible for this software refresh.

As is standard with Amazon’s rollout strategy, the update will be delivered automatically over the air to devices over the coming months. Kindle owners who prefer not to wait for the automatic download can visit the Amazon website to download the firmware file manually and install it via a computer.

The Digital Reader, which first highlighted these undocumented changes, notes that while Amazon is often vague about minor software revisions, the tangible performance boost makes this a significant update for those using older or modern hardware. Though some users have reported minor technical hurdles, such as Windows 10 connectivity issues following the update, the general consensus remains positive regarding the increased operational speed.