About ReadSpeaker webReader

ReadSpeaker webReader can read the content of a website aloud. On any online device, wherever you are, one click and the page is read aloud while the text is highlighted to make it easier to follow along. This makes the website accessible to a wider audience of internet users, including people with learning difficulties or visual impairments, people with low literacy skills, people learning a new language, the ever-growing group of older people, and anyone who prefers to listen rather than read or wants to consult websites on the go. webReader is cloud-based (SaaS). You don't need to download anything to use it.

How does it work?

Activate webReader by clicking on the read-aloud button.

Screenshot of the read-aloud button

With webReader, you can:

  • Listen to selected text: select and click on the read-aloud button.
  • hover the mouse over a paragraph to have it read aloud,
  • View the content in text version without complex formatting, with font, font size, and colors according to your personal preferences. Reading aloud and highlighting simultaneously is also possible in text version.
  • download an audio file with the content of the web page so you can listen offline,
  • Translate selected text into one of the languages offered and have it read aloud in that language.
  • Set reading speed, colors for highlighting, and more.
  • look up the meaning of a selected word,
  • set the reading language.

Press the Help button in the ReadSpeaker taskbar for clear instructions on how to use all webReader features. Read through them to get ideas on how to get the most out of webReader!

Screenshot of the taskbar

Keyboard navigation

webReader can be activated, i.e. focus can be placed on the read-aloud button, using the access key "K". The access key "L" places focus on the player and starts reading aloud. Many of the webReader features have their own access key. Access keys are activated with modifier keys, depending on your browser and operating system. (For more information about modifier keys, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Access_key).

Once the focus is on the player, you can navigate within the player and taskbar using tab/shift+tab and press enter to activate a button or selection.

When the focus is on the drag bar, it turns orange and you can move the read-aloud button, player, and task bar using the arrow keys or (faster) using Shift + arrow keys.

Image of the read-aloud button with focus on the drag bar

  • Focus on the read-aloud button: modifier key + K
  • Activate the webReader player: modifier key + L
  • Open/close the taskbar: modifier key + 1
  • Open Help feature: Shift key + I
  • Other access keys: see the Help feature

Cookies

If you accept cookies for webReader, your personal preferences will be saved between sessions.

Platforms and web browsers

Devices, operating systems, and browsers supported by webReader:

  • all common online devices such as PCs, laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, and smartphones,
  • all common operating systems such as Windows, Chrome, Android, iOS, and macOS,
  • all common browsers:
    • For laptops and PCs: IE7+, Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari
    • For mobile devices: Safari and Chrome on iOS devices, Chrome on Android devices, Chrome and Edge on Windows Phone

Read more about ReadSpeaker www.readspeaker.com