How can I use immersion reading on a Kindle device?

Amazon Kindle devices have revolutionized the way people read books. At the same time, reading techniques have advanced with the help of technology, opening new venues for more efficient and convenient reading experiences.

Immersion reading is one such technique that combines a printed or e-book text with its audio version. This reading method has numerous advantages, providing better focus and reading comprehension. Better yet, immersion reading is available on select Kindle devices. Read on to find out how to use the immersion reading feature with Kindle.

Using immersion reading on your Kindle

Certain Kindle e-readers have a feature that allows the user to read an e-book while listening to an audiobook of the same title. Unsurprisingly, the feature is called immersion reading.

The first step in using immersion reading on Kindle will be to purchase a title in e-book format. However, you should note that not all titles will have the immersion reading option. The book must have a corresponding audiobook published and available on Audible.

You can determine whether your desired title meets the criteria on the purchase page. If an audiobook is available, you’ll see an icon representing an open book and a pair of headphones. There’ll also be an “Audiobook available” text next to the icon.

Hovering over the mentioned text will bring up the option to purchase the audiobook from Audible. You won’t need an Audible app for the action, and the audiobook will be available for cash purchase rather than Audible credit.

After you’ve purchased and downloaded the audiobook, open the e-book on your Kindle. You should see a play button in the bottom bar that displays the current page. Press the button and start listening to the Audible audiobook while following the text.

There are certain limitations to using immersion reading. We’ve already mentioned that the feature won’t be accessible for titles that don’t have an Audible book available through audible.com. However, other limitations don’t relate to the Audible version of the title but to your Kindle device model.

If you’re using a dedicated e-reader, immersion reading will be available on all new Kindle Fire tablets from the 2nd generation up, like the Kindle Fire HD. Devices like the Kindle Oasis or Paperwhite don’t support the feature.

On the other hand, Kindle app users will have no issues taking advantage of immersion reading. Android and iOS versions (for Apple iPhone and iPad) can play Audible narration simultaneously while displaying the e-book.

Important facts about immersion reading on Kindle

Before you start using immersion reading on Kindle, you should be aware of specific key facts about the feature. In particular, it’s worth mentioning whether immersion reading is beneficial, how it differs from Whispersync for Voice on Kindle devices, and if the feature can be improved in future versions.

Will immersion reading on Kindle benefit you?

Reading while listening is beneficial for many users. Faithful to its name, immersion reading provides a more immersive experience. This is especially true if you’re reading in fullscreen and using quality headphones or earbuds that can block the outside noise.

But there’s more to immersion reading than mere convenience. The technique provides advantages for language learners of all ages as well as people with learning or reading difficulties.

In that regard, Immersion reading on Kindle may improve comprehension, help English learners grasp the pronunciation of new words, and assist struggling students in retaining knowledge.

What’s the difference between immersion reading and Whispersync for Voice?

Although Immersion reading and Whispersync for Voice seem similar, the features offer different functionality. Immersion reading allows you to listen to an Audible audiobook while reading an e-book on your Kindle.

In contrast, Whispersync for Voice synchronizes the two formats. This means you can stop reading the title, transfer to the audiobook, and pick up from the same point. Note that the feature doesn’t support simultaneous reading and listening.

Possible improvements to Kindle immersion reading

Immersion reading counts among the relatively new features of Kindle readers. As such, it could be improved for more accessible and versatile use. For instance, it would be ideal if immersion reading were available across all devices, including computers, smartphones, and Kindle e-readers.

Making the feature usable without purchasing additional audiobooks would also represent a significant plus. Currently, users need to spend extra money for the same title to enjoy immersion reading. Finally, the service would become more convenient if it didn’t depend on Audible audiobooks.

Use Speechify for immersion reading for other texts

Immersion reading isn’t reserved exclusively for published titles. It’s possible to read and listen to other texts, but only if you have access to a quality text to speech service.

If using immersion reading on texts like web pages, class notes, or even social media posts sounds interesting, Speechify will be the right tool for the job.

Speechify features an AI-powered text to speech engine that can import documents, use OCR to scan photos for text, read PDFs, and more. If it’s in text format, this tool can read it aloud. Of course, these features make Speechify ideal for reading and listening to any custom text you wish, not only published works.

With Speechify, you can choose from a number of narrator voices and languages, adjust the playback speed, and customize your experience to suit your needs fully. If you want to hear how the text to speech service sounds, visit Speechify now and try it out for free.

FAQ

Does Kindle have a bionic reading option?

Kindle doesn’t have a bionic reading feature. However, you can upload e-books in the bionic reading format to your Kindle device.

Can you read along with Audible on Kindle Paperwhite?

Kindle Paperwhite devices of the 10th generation are compatible with Audible. Earlier models don’t support the audiobook service.

Can I use Kindle in the dark?

Specific models of Kindle e-readers have a backlight feature that lets you read in the dark. This option isn’t possible with devices that solely use e-ink technology.

How do I save a book on Kindle?

You can download e-books to your Kindle from Amazon using a Wi-Fi connection, email, or USB. The imported title will stay on your device in all instances.

How many books can I have on my Kindle?

Since Kindle readers have at least 4GB of internal memory and e-books are relatively small files, you can store thousands of titles on your device, regardless of the particular model.