AI audio startup ElevenLabs has launched its text-to-speech Reader app globally, now supporting 32 languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, Arabic, Mandarin, and Hindi. Initially released in June for users in the US, UK, and Canada, the app allows for seamless listening of PDFs, articles, newsletters, ePub files, and other text content. However, compatibility with Kindle or Apple Books files is not currently supported.
The app features a variety of AI-generated voices, including those of beloved historical figures like Judy Garland, James Dean, and Burt Reynolds. These voices are designed to sound natural rather than robotic, and the heirs of these celebrities are reportedly pleased to see their legacies continue through this technology.
The Reader app is free to download and use, without deducting credits from ElevenLabs' broader subscription plan. While there are plans for a premium version in the future, the company assures users that a generous free plan will remain available.