Select to Speak is a powerful accessibility feature in Android that allows users to have text on their screen read aloud. This feature can be extremely helpful for those who have difficulty reading or have visual impairments. In this article, we will discuss what Select to Speak is, how to use it, and provide some practical examples of its usefulness.
What is Select to Speak?
Select to Speak is an accessibility feature that was introduced in Android 6.0 (Marshmallow). It is designed to assist users with visual impairments by reading aloud any text that appears on their screen. This includes text messages, web pages, emails, and more. It uses digital voice technology to accurately read the text on the screen.
How to Use Select to Speak?
To use Select to Speak, follow these simple steps:
1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on the “Accessibility” option.
3. Tap on “Select to Speak” under the “Services” section.
4. Toggle the switch to turn on Select to Speak.
5. A small menu will appear on your screen. You can drag this menu around to position it wherever you find it most convenient.
6. To activate Select to Speak, simply tap on the small play button in the menu.
7. Now, using your finger, select the text you want to be read aloud.
8. Select to Speak will now read the selected text aloud, and you can pause or stop it using the controls in the menu.
Practical Examples of Select to Speak
1. Reading Text Messages: With Select to Speak, users can have their text messages read aloud to them. This can be particularly useful while driving or when they are unable to look at their phone.
2. Learning Languages: For language learners, Select to Speak can be a helpful tool. Users can have foreign text on websites or in apps read aloud, which can help with pronunciation and understanding.
3. Reading Books: Users can also use Select to Speak to have books read aloud to them. This is especially helpful for individuals with dyslexia or reading disabilities.
4. Web Browsing: Web pages can be overwhelming for visually impaired individuals. With Select to Speak, they can have the content read aloud to them, making it easier to access information online.
5. Accessibility in Public Places: Select to Speak can also be used in public places, such as museums or event spaces, to read signs or displays for visually impaired individuals.
Conclusion
Select to Speak is an incredibly useful feature for individuals with visual impairments. It provides a means for them to access written content without having to read it themselves. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, users can easily activate and use Select to Speak on their Android device. We hope that this guide has been helpful in understanding how to use this feature and its potential applications in daily life.