Google Play Books gets high quality read aloud, pinch zoom, recommendations

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/19/google-play-books-gets-high-quality-read-aloud/)

If you like having your classics read to you by your handheld device but don't care for the usual robot-stuck-in-a-well tones, [Google Play Books](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/24/google-play-books-app-japan-translation-place/) has been [updated](http://www.engadget.com/tag/google,update/) with a more dulcet option. The "read aloud" function (which has been around for several versions, despite Google saying it's new) now has a high quality voice option, which only works if you're connected to the internet. We gave it a whirl ourselves, and it's now far more tolerable to listen to "Oliver Twist" or other flowing text books, thanks to a more natural sounding voice -- as heard in the audio file after the break. In addition, Google has added pinch or double-tap zoom options, text editing features for notes, personalized recommendations and "numerous bug fixes and performance enhancements." To give it a look (or listen) for yourself, check the source for more info.

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Filed under: [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/), [Google](http://www.engadget.com/category/google/)

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**Via:** [Android Central](http://www.androidcentral.com/google-play-books-updated-new-read-aloud-feature-and-pinch-zoom/)

**Source:** [Google Play Books](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.books&referrer=utm_source%3Dandroidcentral%26utm_medium%3Dblog%26utm_campaign%3Dbloglink)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/19/google-play-books-gets-high-quality-read-aloud/