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ListenUp — Speech Aided Reading

Next.jsSpeechSynthesis APIAccessibilityProductivity
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Problem

My reading speed was slower than desired, making it difficult to consume large volumes of content efficiently or stay engaged during long reading sessions.

Solution

To tackle this, I built a web tool using the SpeechSynthesis API that converts text to speech in real time. This allowed me to follow the text both visually and audibly, creating a multi-sensory reading experience.

I implemented user-adjustable controls for speech rate, pitch, and volume, enabling personalization based on comfort and comprehension. This made it easier to adapt the pace to different content types — from technical blogs to story-driven articles.

Beyond personal use, this tool is valuable for individuals with accessibility needs, language learners, and professionals aiming to improve focus or multitask while consuming content.

© Keshav Raj, Let's Code