VBookz PDF Voice Reader US
Useful app reads PDFs aloud but has some shortcomings.
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VBookz PDF Voice Reader US
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that VBookz PDF Voice Reader US is a utility app that reads PDF files aloud, letting people do other things as they listen and learn. It can be a good tool for kids with special needs and others who may have problems reading text from PDFs. While the app itself has nothing objectionable in it, parents should note that PDFs can contain any sort of language and scenario -- and should scan the PDFs themselves first to ensure the content meets with their comfort.
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What’s It About?
Users can listen to PDF files as the app reads them aloud. Once the play button is touched, the app begins reading aloud, highlighting each word as it goes. To access the menu, users must touch the screen once (then wait a couple seconds), which will let them exit the PDF being read, fast forward to a certain page, and change the speed of the readback.
Is It Any Good?
VBookz PDF Voice Reader US is certainly a useful tool, but it's not perfect. The app does a good job reading PDF files aloud and frees you up, but the voices are very robotic and mispronounce lots of words -- even the ones that it includes in its demonstration PDFs. The voice also lacks the cadence of human speech, which makes it even stranger to the ear.
Still, the app smartly showcases each word it is reading. And its flaws are understandable. It's a handy app for both those with special needs and those who get a PDF they need to listen to as they drive.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Try using the male and female reader to see which is more comfortable for kids.
Adjust the voice speed to best suit your child.
Pause occasionally to check for comprehension.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Subjects: Language & Reading: speaking, writing
- Skills: Communication: conveying messages effectively, listening
- Release date: April 10, 2012
- Category: Other
- Publisher: Mindex International Ltd
- Version: 1.1
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 4.3 or later
- Last updated: December 7, 2017
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