Best Pocket Alternatives for Read Aloud Apps

Just recently, Mozilla announced the shutdown of the Pocket app. Millions use Pocket to save articles from the web for later reading. The app also includes a popular text-to-speech feature, which reads articles with digital narration.

As users look for new apps, many alternatives to Pocket exist, including Readwise Reader and Instapaper. For those seeking a read-aloud text-to-speech option — converting text into lifelike audio narration — we believe many will find a home with ElevenReader.

ElevenReader: Your New Read Aloud App

ElevenReader is a free text read aloud app from ElevenLabs, an AI audio research and product company. ElevenReader reads any text in 32 languages using ultra-realistic AI voices. You can import URLs, articles, blog posts, PDFs, and ePubs to have them narrated for later listening.

ElevenReader also offers a web app that lets you save articles from the web for later, or to listen to them at any time.

For those interested in read-aloud features, ElevenReader is a strong Pocket alternative, offering lifelike AI voice narration for your saved articles.

Why a Read Aloud App?

In a fast-paced world, finding time to sit down and read can be a challenge. Read aloud apps offer a solution by letting you consume content on the go.

Whether you are commuting, exercising, or doing chores, you can listen to articles and documents that you would otherwise miss. This flexibility lets you make the most of your time and stay informed.

The Evolution of Text to Speech

Early text-to-speech technology often sounded robotic and unnatural. Voices were monotone, and pronunciation was often inaccurate. This made it difficult to listen for extended periods. However, recent advancements in AI have transformed text-to-speech. Modern AI voices are designed to be indistinguishable from human speech, complete with natural intonation, rhythm, and emotion.

At ElevenLabs, we focus on developing AI that can generate human-like audio. This commitment to realism is at the core of ElevenReader. We believe that listening to articles should be as engaging and effortless as listening to a podcast or audiobook.

Features That Matter

When choosing a read-aloud app, several features enhance the experience:

• Voice Quality: The most important aspect is the realism and naturalness of the voices. High-quality AI voices make listening enjoyable and reduce listener fatigue.
• Language Support: The ability to read content in multiple languages is crucial for a diverse user base.
• Import Options: A good read-aloud app should let you easily import content from various sources, such as web pages, documents, and e-books.
• Offline Access: The option to save articles and listen to them offline is valuable for those without constant internet access.
• Playback Control: Features like adjustable reading speed, pause, and skip improve the listening experience.

ElevenReader provides these features, and we continue to improve them. Our goal is to make reading accessible and enjoyable for everyone, no matter where they are or what they are doing.

Beyond Articles: Other Uses for ElevenReader

While many users will find ElevenReader useful for saving and listening to articles, its capabilities extend further. Consider these possibilities:

• Learning and Study: Students can convert study materials, lecture notes, or research papers into audio to listen to them while reviewing. This can help reinforce learning and accommodate different learning styles.
• Accessibility: For individuals with visual impairments or reading difficulties like dyslexia, ElevenReader offers a way to access written content that might otherwise be challenging. The ability to adjust voice speed and pitch can further personalize the experience.
• Professional Development: Professionals can stay current with industry news, reports, and white papers by listening to them during their commute or downtime.
• Storytelling: Authors and aspiring writers can listen to their drafts, helping them catch awkward phrasing or errors they might miss when reading silently.

We believe ElevenReader can be a versatile tool for anyone who wants to consume written content in an audio format.

What's Next

At ElevenLabs, we are dedicated to creating useful AI audio products. We understand that the shutdown of Pocket may leave many users looking for a reliable alternative. We built ElevenReader with these users in mind, focusing on high-quality text-to-speech and a user-friendly interface.

We are continuously working to improve ElevenReader, adding new features and enhancing voice quality based on user feedback. Our aim is to provide a seamless and enjoyable listening experience that integrates into your daily life.

Download ElevenReader for free on iOS and Android today, and experience the future of reading aloud.