Speechify, a text-to-speech startup, has announced the launch of a new version of its iOS app (v3.0) with several new features. These features include a redesigned home page, the ability to scan documents, integration with Gmail and learning platform Canvas, and the addition of an explore page for in-app content.
The redesigned homepage now includes shortcuts to import files from various sources such as iOS Files, Google Drive, Kindle, Gmail, Text, Scan, and Link. The new update also introduces a scan feature that allows users to import scanned text or documents. The app can simultaneously scan two pages of a book as well.
Image Credits: Speechify
The remodeled home page also features an Apple Fitness Ring-styled daily reading goal that users can adjust according to their preferences.
In addition, the app now lets users read their emails by integrating their Gmail accounts and import PDF attachments into the Speechify app. The startup has also introduced a Canvas integration with the learning management system to help students access their homework assignments, along with new iCloud integration that automatically syncs files to Speechify.
Speechify has capitalized on the interactive widgets features in iOS 17 to introduce new widgets for importing sources, tracking reading progress, and continuing listening to imported documents. The new app also allows users to listen to tracks offline in premium voices.
According to the company, the app now features new pre-set AI voices with improved speech models and updated celebrity voices of Snoop Dogg and Mr. Beast. Users can also get an AI-powered summary of a document or article, which the app can read out loud.
Another AI-powered feature in Speechify 3.0 is the ability for users to clone their voice and have it read out text. Last year, Apple released a feature called Personal Voice, which creates a voice that sounds like the user. Earlier this month, Clubhouse also released a feature that reads chats in the user’s own voice.
Image Credits: Speechify
Speechify claims to have 23 million users and plans to release a public API of its text-to-speech solutions for business-related partnerships. The company has also redesigned the explore page to showcase its own content in areas like productivity, self-improvement, and learning differences, presented in a format similar to Instagram Stories.
Image Credits: Speechify
The company has observed that after users listen to around 500 words on Speechify, they are likely to be satisfied with the service. The startup offers preloaded content to give users a headstart and plans to bring more content to the app, including the ability to read content from different websites through an in-app browser and a separate audiobook business vertical.
Speechify competes with read later app Pocket, owned by Mozilla, and the New York Times’ audio app based on the Audm product. The company aims to be a one-stop shop in the market for reading experiences through various integrations.
