How page readers are transforming the web experience

Reading on-screen text can be challenging for many people with visual impairments and comprehension issues. Fortunately, assistive technologies like page readers and text to speech(TTS) apps convert text into audio to make interaction with digital content more accessible. Below you will learn what a page reader is, its benefits, how it works.

What is a page reader?

A page reader, also known as a screen reader, is a technology that assists people in interacting with digital content, such as applications or websites, using audio or touch. Page readers are mainly used by blind people or those with severely limited vision, although people with reading difficulties due to dyslexia and ADHD can also benefit from screen readers.

Page readers are not limited to websites alone. They can also read out text from documents, emails, and other digital content, making them versatile tools for individuals with visual impairments in various aspects of their lives. Whether it’s reading an important email or studying for an exam, page readers empower users to independently access and comprehend written information.

How does a page reader work?

Page readers use a text-to-speech (TTS) engine to interpret on-screen information into audible speech. TTS software can be an app built into the page reader or a device that plugs into the computer. It can also be a standalone app installed as a browser extension to translate browser text.

Page and screen reading tech provides information and allows people to navigate menus, headings, icons, files, dialogue boxes, and folders. It uses HTML alt text descriptions to describe images. Users can change the speech speed or language as needed.

The page reader works with the computer’s operating system to read aloud what is on the screen, with some page readers offering Braille display.

The benefits of a page reader

Page reader software offers a whole host of benefits. Here are a few of them:

• Web page content is made more accessible. People with literacy difficulties, learning disabilities, and reduced vision can now access digital text with the help of a page reader.
• It helps prevent eyestrain. Reading from the screen, especially for long periods, can affect your eyesight.
• It is excellent for learning a new language by helping you to improve your listening skills.
• It can accommodate people with different learning styles. Some people are auditory, visual, or kinesthetic learners—and TTS software caters to auditory learners.
• You can relax while listening to a novel and fitting music for a calming effect. It can be played to children for their bedtime stories.
• It helps to improve reading when following along with the text while listening.
• It supports multitasking. You can do other things while listening since there’s no need to hold anything or remain stationary, depending on your listening preferences.

Maintaining and updating your Page reader

Once a page reader is implemented on your website, it’s not just a set-it-and-forget-it tool. Regular maintenance and updates are crucial to ensure optimal functioning, compatibility, and to cater to the diverse needs of your audience, including those who might want to access content offline or through audio files.

Regular check-ups for optimal functioning

Periodically check the performance of the page reader on your website. Ensure it’s functioning correctly, especially when users navigate using the cursor. Verify that it reads out all the essential content, from headings and links to form elements.

Don’t forget to check its capability to convert articles into podcasts for subscribers who prefer auditory content. Additionally, conduct user testing with individuals who rely on page readers. Gathering feedback from real-world users can help you address any usability issues and ensure that even offline content is accessible.

Using a page reader

Starting with a page reader might seem challenging, but with a bit of practice, it becomes second nature. Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts or touch gestures to navigate seamlessly. While the basics might be easy to grasp, users will need some time to delve into advanced features.

However, with consistent interaction and exploration, users can confidently harness the full potential of the tool, be it by reading content aloud or converting it into an audio file for later.

Page readers you can try

There are several text to speech software available. Here are some of the best ones:

Speechify

Speechify is the No. 1 text-to-speech reader in the App Store, with over 20 million downloads. This powerful software allows you to control the reading speed and listen to text in high-quality natural-sounding voices and languages of your choice.

Using Speechify, you can convert most text files, including Google Docs, and listen to text from popular messages and social media like WhatsApp and Facebook. Speechify also uses optical character recognition (OCR) technology to convert pictures of your text into speech.

Read Aloud

Read Aloud is an impressive TTS Windows app that reads web pages, documents, news, and e-books and owns your content. Its standout features include in-app dictionary support, a pronunciation corrector, and multi-language support. It allows you to control the reading speed, pitch, and volume and supports Microsoft Word, EPUB, TXT, and PDF file formats.

NaturalReader

NaturalReader allows you to upload a text or a document for online text-to-speech conversion, or you can change text into an MP3 file. It has 100+ natural voice styles to choose from and allows you to modify the pronunciation of any word. NaturalReader supports the most widely used file formats, including EPUB, RTF, and PPT.

You can use NaturalReader by installing the Chrome Extension via most browsers, including Safari and Firefox, or installing the desktop or mobile app.

Brailliant BI X

Brailliant BI X Braille display is the first to include text-to-speech capabilities. It offers English, Spanish, and French voices, with plans for voices in other languages. Using BI X, you can connect to Wi-Fi to download and read books.

The Brailliant BI X Braille display series has two options, BI 20X and BI 40X. The BI 20X is a portable 20-cell refreshable Braille display that connects to your mobile device. The BI 40X is a future-ready 40-cell refreshable Braille display that uses Bluetooth technology and can simultaneously connect to several devices.

Speechify—A powerful TTS software

Speechify is the top-rated text-to-speech app. It converts the text in your browser to speech via the Google Chrome extension, and you can also install the app on your mobile Android or iOS device as well as the desktop app on Windows or Mac. Since it’s very flexible and versatile, you can use Speechify for all your page reader needs, and then some. Speechify hosts numerous other features that you’ll be able to explore.

Try Speechify for free for an enjoyable and effective audio reading experience.

FAQ

How do you get a page to read to you?

You can get a page to read out loud using text-to-speech software.

Is there an app that can read pages?

Several apps can read web pages, including Speechify and Read Aloud.

Is there a page reader in Chrome?

Page reader Chrome browser extensions include Speechify, Natural Reader, Capti Voice, and Read Aloud.

What is the difference between a page reader and a screen reader?

There is no difference between a page and a screen reader. Both convert on-screen text to speech.

Does a page reader have a voice?

Most page-reading apps have multiple voices, languages, and accents for you to choose from to listen to the text.