Text to Speech For Logos Books

Hector Marquez
Hector Marquez Member Posts: 6
edited November 21 in English Forum

Hi,

I know that this topic has been discussed before, but wanted to bring it into discussion again, from a current perspective.  in my Logos Library I have resources (books) that would like to read. Reading the books from my tablet, or even from my cell phone have been options for me, as they are for other Logos Software users.  The real challenge has been to continue exploring the book in audio.  This has been only available in the desktop version of Logos for some books, but is not currently available in the mobile app.

As there are some of the books offered in Logos that are available in Kindle format, I’ve faced the challenge to decide whether purchasing them in Logos format (read out loud at home with the desktop app), or the Kindle format, with the text to speech option on my Kindle fire tablet.

The Kindle fire (through Alexa), as well as the Amazon Echo offer an option to activate some features of the Faithlife (Logos) app. These include reading a Bible verse out loud, and perhaps some other limited features.  The expansion of Alexas’ skills have been requested to Faithlife, but I have not seen any change during the last couple of years.  Therefore, the option of having a Logos book being read to me while using my mobile devices (cell or tablet- Fire) is non-existent.  This is a disadvantage.

I would love to continue adding resources to my Logos library, but neither the Logos mobile app, nor any other mobile option exists for reading out loud these books.  Then, shall I purchase them in the Kindle format, if available?  Is there any option being considered by Faithlife to offer real and practical text to speech capability in mobile platforms?

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Comments

  • Andrew Biddinger
    Andrew Biddinger Member Posts: 439

    ios text to speech actually works. Android still need to be fixed (which would make me VERY happy).

    https://logosmobile.uservoice.com/forums/190765-logos-mobile-apps/suggestions/3671914-enable-read-aloud-or-text-to-speech-like-in-the-de

  • Gordon Jones
    Gordon Jones Member Posts: 743 ✭✭
    https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1060105#Comment_1060105

    I've added my +3 [Y]

  • William Walker
    William Walker Member Posts: 95

    Hector,

    I would love to continue adding resources to my Logos library, but neither the Logos mobile app, nor any other mobile option exists for reading out loud these books.  Then, shall I purchase them in the Kindle format, if available?  Is there any option being considered by Faithlife to offer real and practical text to speech capability in mobile platforms?

    You didn't mention which mobile OS you use...

    As already mentioned iOS has a feature called Speak Screen that works beautifully and is integrated at the OS level so it will work with any app presenting text on screen.  It works nearly identical to the Logos desktop experience and is maybe even easier to manage (start, stop, speed control).  I'm not sure which version of iOS this actually first appeared in but it's definitely available in iOS 12.4.

    https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/speak-selection-speak-screen-typing-feedback-iph96b214f0/ios

    If you are using iOS device(s) once you configure Speak Screen you will be very happy.  I'm not an Android user so I can't be of any help there and it sounds like the feature is lacking currently.

    Hope that helps,

    William

  • JT (alabama24)
    JT (alabama24) Member, MVP Posts: 36,472 ✭✭✭

    The real challenge has been to continue exploring the book in audio.  This has been only available in the desktop version of Logos for some books, but is not currently available in the mobile app.

    For clarification: There are two kinds of "read aloud." 

    1. An audio book
    2. "Text to speech" (computerized / robotic reading)

    The audio book feature DOES work on mobile, if you own the audiobook version of the resource. Most resources don't have one, but some do. The "text to speech" feature does work to some extent on iOS. 

    Personally, I love audiobooks, but I have no desire to have them in Logos. I have several strategies:

    1. My local library provides me with FREE subscriptions to Hoopla, Libby and RBdigital. Each of those work differently and have (mostly) different catalogs. I listen to at least 5-6 audiobooks per month via those services combined.
    2. Audible has discounts on some books owned in the Kindle format. I use ereaderIQ to track kindle prices. There are times where I have picked up a kindle AND audible version for under $5
    3. Christianaudio.com has a free book each month, along with other monthly discounted titles. 

    I have no desire to build up my kindle library for titles which I would want in Logos. If I desire to listen to the book, I may pick up the title if it is the cheapest way to acquire the audio version. 

    macOS, iOS & iPadOS | Logs |  Install

  • Small Heath
    Small Heath Member Posts: 1,231
    https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1062722#Comment_1062722

    1. Christianaudio.com has a free book each month, along with other monthly discounted titles. 

    I was able to get on the $7.48 a month plan and still get the free book. Very happy with them, even though the website gets quirky during sales and first of the month.

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