Text-to-speech startup Speechify is rolling out its latest iOS app version (v3.0) with a range of new features. These include a redesigned home page, document scanning capabilities, integration with Gmail and the Canvas learning platform, and an explore page for in-app content.
The revamped home page offers shortcuts to import files from various sources like iOS Files, Google Drive, Kindle, Gmail, Text, Scan, and Link. The update introduces a scan feature that allows users to scan physical documents and import the text for later listening. Users can even scan two pages of a book simultaneously.
Image Credits: Speechify
The new home page also features an Apple Fitness Ring-style daily reading goal that users can personalize.
Speechify is introducing the ability for users to listen to their emails by integrating their Gmail accounts. The app can now assist users in importing their PDF attachments into the Speechify app. Additionally, the startup is launching a Canvas integration with the learning management system to enable students to access homework assignments. The app also boasts a new iCloud integration that automatically syncs files to Speechify.
Utilizing interactive widgets in iOS 17, Speechify is launching new widgets for easy source importing, tracking reading progress, and continuing to listen to imported documents. The updated app allows users to listen to tracks offline with premium voices.
The company has enhanced its AI voices with new pre-set models and updated celebrity voices like Snoop Dogg and Mr. Beast. Users can now receive AI-powered summaries of documents and articles that the app can read aloud.
Another notable feature in Speechify 3.0 is the ability for users to clone their voice to read out text. With the app’s AI technology, users can create a voice that sounds like their own. The company also plans to release a public API for its text-to-speech solutions to enable more business partnerships.
Image Credits: Speechify
Speechify claims to have 23 million users upon app sign-up, though it’s unclear if this number represents registered or active users. The startup has established partnerships with apps like Artifact, created by Instagram co-founders (which was recently shut down), and Medium. Tyler Weitzman, the company’s co-founder and head of AI, mentioned plans to release a public API for its text-to-speech solutions for more business partnerships.
In addition to expanding support for external reading sources, Speechify has introduced a redesigned explore page featuring its own content in areas such as productivity, self-improvement, and learning differences, presented in a format similar to Instagram Stories.
Image Credits: Speechify
Speechify has noticed that users who listen to around 500 words on the app tend to love the service. With preloaded content, the company aims to give users a head start, aiming to bring more content to the app. Users can also read content from various websites through an in-app browser, with a dedicated audiobook business vertical.
In a competitive space, Speechify faces competitors like the read-later app Pocket, owned by Mozilla, which features in-app text-to-speech functionality. Additionally, last year, the New York Times launched its own audio app based on the Audm product it acquired in 2020. Speechify strives to stand out by becoming a comprehensive platform for anyone seeking enhanced reading experiences through various integrations.
