I have a passion for reading and usually manage to get through at least 30 books a year. The books I read typically range from 300-400 pages, but some are even longer. My reading list covers a variety of topics including work-related materials, history, and fiction. Currently, I’m revisiting the Harry Potter series, which I’m thoroughly enjoying. One technique I use to keep up with my reading is by listening to audiobooks. They allow me to enjoy books while doing chores, turning mundane tasks into something enjoyable.
To continue my reading habit, I subscribe to both Audible and Kindle Unlimited. Audible is great for listening to books narrated by the author or professional narrators like Stephen Fry, who brings the Harry Potter series to life. However, not all books are available on Audible, and some aren’t suitable for audio format. So, what’s the alternative?
There are several options for having books read to you. Although Speechify is a great service, it can be quite expensive. Fortunately, there are accessible features on the iPhone that can help. I enjoy using these features to listen to books that are unavailable on Audible.
As I get ready for my upcoming travels, I intend to use my Audible books and the accessibility features on my iPhone to listen to Kindle books during my free time. It’s the ideal way to unwind and enjoy my books while on the move.
Using iPhone Accessibility Features to Read Kindle Books
If you have an iPhone, the “Spoken Content” feature is a game-changer for book lovers. Here’s how you can set it up:
- Open Settings: Go to your iPhone’s settings.
- Accessibility: Scroll down and select “Accessibility.”
- Spoken Content: Tap on “Spoken Content.”
- Enable Speak Screen: Turn on the “Speak Screen” option.
- Choose a Voice: For the best experience, I recommend using the Siri voice. Go to “Voices” and select your preferred Siri voice.
Once set up, you can start using it with your Kindle app:
- Open Kindle App: Launch the Kindle app and open the book you want to read.
- Swipe Down with Two Fingers: Swipe down with two fingers from the top of the screen. This will activate the Speak Screen feature, and your iPhone will start reading the book to you.
It’s that simple! This feature is a fantastic way to consume books when you don’t have an Audible version available. Plus, it’s perfect for travel, allowing you to enjoy your books anywhere.
As I embark on my travels, I’m excited to use these features to keep up with my reading list. Whether I’m lounging by the pool, relaxing in my hotel room, or waiting at the airport, I can dive into my favourite books with ease.
