ElevenLabs New AI Reader App Just Expanded to 32 More Languages

AI-powered text-to-speech expands globally: ElevenLabs, an AI audio startup, has released its Reader app worldwide, significantly expanding its language support and accessibility.

• The Reader app, initially launched in June for the US, UK, and Canada, is now available globally on both iOS and Android platforms.
• The app’s language capabilities have been expanded to include 32 different languages, such as Spanish, Portuguese, French, Arabic, Mandarin, and Hindi.
• Users can utilize the app to listen to various text formats, including PDFs, articles, newsletters, and ePub files, though support for Kindle and Apple Books files is not currently available.

Diverse voice options and celebrity impressions: The app offers a range of AI-generated voices, including some based on deceased celebrities, to enhance the user experience.

• Notable voices available include impressions of Judy Garland, James Dean, and Burt Reynolds.
• The quality of these AI-generated voices is reported to be impressive, avoiding the robotic sound often associated with text-to-speech technology.
• ElevenLabs has stated that the use of celebrity voices is licensed, with heirs of the deceased personalities expressing enthusiasm for this new way of preserving their legacies.

Accessibility and future plans: The Reader app is currently free to use and operates independently of ElevenLabs’ web-based subscription service.

• Users can download and use the app without consuming credits from the broader ElevenLabs subscription plan.
• While the app is currently free, ElevenLabs has indicated plans to introduce a premium version in the future.
• The company has promised to maintain a “generous free plan” even after the introduction of premium features, ensuring continued accessibility for users.

Implications for digital content consumption: The global release of the ElevenLabs Reader app could significantly impact how people consume written content across various languages and formats.

• The app’s multi-language support may help break down language barriers in content consumption, potentially increasing access to information and literature across different cultures.
• The technology could prove particularly beneficial for individuals with visual impairments or reading difficulties, offering an alternative way to engage with written content.
• As AI-powered text-to-speech technology continues to improve, it may reshape the audiobook and podcast industries, offering more personalized and diverse listening experiences.