DIY Kindle Audio Adapter Guide: VoiceView Demo and Setup for Kindle Paperwhite, Oasis, & Voyage
As reported yesterday, Amazon has launched the Kindle Audio Adapter in the USA. With the help of this USB device, you can not only use a text-to-speech function on the Kindle Paperwhite, currently the only officially supported eBook reader, but also unlock a generally accessible audio function for blind people and those with visual impairments.
This feature is called VoiceView by Amazon and is not only available on the Paperwhite, but also works on the Kindle Oasis and Kindle Voyage. And it turns out, it works not only with the official adapter but can also be self-built using two separate components.
All you need is a regular micro-USB to USB OTG host cable and an external sound card.
Video Demonstration
Using an External Sound Card and USB Host Cable
Any conventional USB stereo adapter that doesn’t consume too much power should work for the sound card. I also tested an external 5.1 sound card (without an external power connection), but it wasn’t really usable due to severe sound distortions. The power consumption is simply too high here.
Micro-USB to USB Host Cable
You connect the sound card to the USB cable, and after plugging in headphones or speakers, you can connect the whole setup to the Kindle eReader. In the video shown above, I demonstrate the VoiceView feature in English—because it only works when the Kindle is set to English.
External USB 2.1 Sound Card
If you choose a different system language, you’ll be prompted to switch languages. This leaves the question open as to whether Amazon will bring the VoiceView function to German Kindles. It might be that the prompt appeared because only English voice files were available on the devices.
I transferred the voice files from the Kindle Oasis to the Voyage. No further system changes (Firmware 5.7.4) were necessary. VoiceView was thus operational on all three illuminated Kindle models. Unsurprisingly, the function on the Oasis can only be used when the charging cover is connected.
The use of VoiceView could prove quite practical for the target audience in everyday use. Once the adapter is plugged in, the function activates automatically. You can simply leave your finger on the screen and swipe over it.
Every icon and eBook you hover over will be read aloud. You can select and open it with a double-tap. The text-to-speech function also works reliably. The pre-installed US voice “Salli” reads the text quite naturally and clearly.
