Select to Speak is an accessibility feature available on Android devices that allows users to have any on-screen text read aloud. Not only is this feature useful for those with visual impairments, but it can also come in handy for people who prefer to listen rather than read. While the default settings may work for some users, many may need to customize the feature to suit their needs. In this article, we will discuss how to customize Select to Speak settings on Android for a more personalized experience.

Enabling Select to Speak:
Before diving into the customization options, let’s first ensure that this feature is turned on. To enable Select to Speak, go to Settings > Accessibility > Select to Speak, and toggle the switch on.

Customizing the Voice:

Select to Speak uses the default Text-to-Speech (TTS) engine on your device to read text aloud. This engine has a variety of voices and options that you can choose from. To access the TTS engine settings, go to Settings > Accessibility > Text-to-Speech Output > Preferred Engine. Here, you can select a different engine and customize the voice’s pitch, speed, and language according to your preference.

Adding a Hotword:

To make it easier to activate Select to Speak, you can add a hotword that will launch the feature. A hotword is a specific word or phrase that you say to your device to trigger a response. To add a hotword, go to Settings > Accessibility > Select to Speak > Hotword Detection. Here, you can enter a word or phrase of your choice, such as “Hey Android,” which will then prompt Select to Speak to start listening when you say it.

Adjusting the Reading Speed:

Some users may find the default reading speed of Select to Speak too slow or too fast. To adjust the speed, simply tap on the gear icon next to the “Read from Here” button. Here, you can use the slider to increase or decrease the speed according to your liking. You can also choose to Speak Screen, which will read all the text on your screen at once.

Selecting a Specific Text:

By default, Select to Speak reads the entire screen’s text, but you may only be interested in a particular section. To select a specific text, tap and hold on the start of the desired text and then drag your finger to select the rest. A small box will appear with options to Pause or Stop reading. This feature makes it easier to focus on and comprehend specific information.

Customizing the Language:

Another useful feature of Select to Speak is the ability to choose a different language from the one set as the default on your device. To change the language, go to Settings > Accessibility > Select to Speak > Languages. Here, you can select your preferred language(s) from a wide range of options. This is especially helpful for multilingual users who may need to switch between languages frequently.

Using Accessibility Shortcut:

If you find yourself frequently using Select to Speak, you can add it to your device’s Accessibility Shortcut for easy and quick access. Simply go to Settings > Accessibility > Select to Speak > Accessibility Shortcut and toggle the switch on. Now, whenever you press and hold the volume up and down buttons, Select to Speak will launch.

In conclusion, Select to Speak is a useful feature on Android that can benefit a wide range of users. By customizing its settings, you can tailor it to your specific needs and improve your overall experience. Whether it’s adjusting the voice or controlling the reading speed, these options allow for a more personalized and efficient use of Select to Speak. Remember to explore the various customization options and make the feature work for you.