Amazon has added a new feature to their Amazon Echo device, Alexa can now read your Kindle books.
This can be done by saying to Alexa, ‘Alexa, read [book title]’ or you can also select which book you want read to you using the Alexa companion app.
How the New Feature Works
The new feature works with Kindle Books that you have purchased and it uses Amazon’s Whispersync technology, so Alexa can pick up exactly where you were the last time you read a particular book. This seamless integration ensures that you can switch between reading on your Kindle device and listening through Alexa without losing your place in the book.
To get started, simply ensure that your Kindle books are synced with your Amazon account. Once synced, you can ask Alexa to read any book from your library. For example, you might say, “Alexa, read ‘The Great Gatsby.'” Alexa will then begin narrating the book from where you last left off.
Current Limitations and Future Enhancements
The features on the service are currently limited to pausing and skipping for 30 seconds. This means you can ask Alexa to pause the reading if you need a break or skip forward by 30 seconds if you want to move ahead in the book. While these features are useful, they are somewhat basic. However, Amazon is known for continually updating and improving their devices, so more advanced features could be added in the future. For instance, we might see options for adjusting the reading speed, setting bookmarks, or even integrating with other audiobook services.
Additionally, while Alexa’s voice is quite advanced, it is still a text-to-speech engine and may not capture the nuances and emotions of a professional human narrator. This is something to keep in mind if you are used to listening to professionally narrated audiobooks.
Practical Applications and User Experience
This new feature can be particularly useful in various scenarios. For instance, if you are cooking and want to continue “reading” your book, you can simply ask Alexa to read it to you. Similarly, it can be a great way to enjoy books while driving, exercising, or doing household chores. The convenience of having Alexa read your Kindle books aloud adds a new dimension to how you can consume literature.
Moreover, this feature can be a boon for individuals with visual impairments or reading difficulties, providing them with an accessible way to enjoy books. It also opens up possibilities for multitasking, allowing users to engage with their favorite books while performing other activities.
You can find out more details about Amazon’s Echo device over at the company’s website at the link below. The device is available for $179.99, making it a relatively affordable option for those looking to add a smart assistant to their home.
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