Web Reader HD for iPad uses text to speech technology along with web page content recognition to read web pages. You can configure web pages to be read as soon as they are loaded, read pages manually after they are loaded, or use Cut, Copy, & Paste to read only sections of text.
Features of Web Reader: fast reading; reads PDFs; special Google Reader support; reads locally synced files; remote control support; continues reading when backgrounded; image blocking; two high quality voices; voice volume; speaking speed; highlights while reading; auto-speak; launching from Safari; landscape mode option; reads while locked; and stop and restart.
For a demo of Web Reader, watch the video below:
Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later.
Read2Go is an assistive technology book reader that uses text-to-speech technology to read books aloud. To understand Read2Go, you must first understand what Bookshare is all about. Bookshare.org provides electronic copies of books and periodicals for readers with print disabilities. The books are downloaded in an electronic form that can be easily modified to meet the needs of readers with diverse disabilities. This can mean altering font, size, color, and even using text-to-speech technology to provide read-aloud capability. Bookshare is currently available free of charge for US students with qualifying disabilities, thanks to a grant by the Department of Education.
Read2Go’s integration with Bookshare makes locating and downloading electronic textbooks easy, provided you have a qualifying Bookshare account.
For a quick tutorial on Read2Go, watch the video below:
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Required iOS 40 or later.
iWordQ (English) is an easy-to-use writing and reading application to assist struggling writers and readers. In Writing mode, a simple text editor is used for writing with the support of word prediction, abbreviation-expansion and speech feedback features. Spell-check and dictionary access is included. Use speech recognition with an iPad 3, 4, mini. Text documents are saved automatically and are retrieved from the File menu. Dropbox support is included for sharing documents across systems. Documents may also be shared through several other connections, including email, Facebook, Twitter, Message, the pasteboard, and opening in other Apps.
In Reading mode, text is shown in a more visually pleasing manner to improve readability. This is used for proofreading, reading to learn, silent reading, reading aloud, and casual reading/listening. A novel text chunking method (patent-pending) can be selected to enhance comprehension and readability of text to allow you to focus on one text chunk at a time.
For a quick tutorial for iWordQ, watch the video below:
Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 and later.
Firefly K3000 is a mobile extension to the Kurzweil 3000 – firefly Web License education program that delivers anytime, anywhere access to key reading supports for those individuals with the cognitive ability, but not the literacy skills, to learn from age appropriate content.
The Firefly K3000 iPad app delivers core text-to-speech reading functions with speed, voice, and pacing accommodations; and access to the shared Universal Library content available to Kurzweil 3000 – firefly Web License customers.
For instructions on how to get Firefly K3000 and a tutorial on how to use it, watch the video below:
Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later.
iReadWrite makes reading easier and ensures accurate writing as you use your iPad for school, work, or leisure. This reading and writing app runs directly on the iPad with no WiFi or 3G access necessary. It includes support features that benefit struggling readers and writers of all ages, especially those with dyslexia, dysgraphia, or other learning difficulties. Support features include: text-to-speech, word prediction, phonetic spell checker, homophone and confusables checker; dictionary; picture dictionary; customizable background and text colors; choice of voices and fonts, and importing and sharing documents.
For an overview of iReadWrite, watch the video below:
Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 6.0 or later.
Voice Brief is a text to speech app that reads you daily updates from your iOS device such as the weather, news, to-do lists, or other designated information. It does not need to send to the Internet for processing. Watch what it does by playing the video below.
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.
Speak It! Text to Speech is a product from Future Apps. It has been de signed to work with iOS4, taking advantage of the multitasking feature options. As described on iTunes, you can have Speak It! read your e-mails, articles, etc., while you exit the app and do other things. You can create and save audio files, attaching them to e-mails. You can also set up a list of pre-made statements, playing them with just a tape of a button. Take a tour of this product by watching the video below.
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later
Speak it to Me is a text to speech app that works with the iPhone or iPod Touch. You can type in or paste any English text and hear it spoken back to you. You are able to pick fom a selection of male and female voices. The app also features speech to Email capabilities, allowing you to add generated speech to any e-mail as an attachment.
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later
AppAdvice has put together a guide for Text to Speech Apps for the iPad. At this point, 11 apps are identified, including a number that are free, and others that run between .99 for the least expensive one, to $5.99 for the most expensive. The descriptions are helpful, allowing you to see how the apps differ in terms of what they do.