Helpful Study Apps For IPads
by Nathan Battey
The first app is the vBookz PDF Voice Reader app which allows the user to upload a pdf document (the cleaner the pdf document the better) and have it read aloud. The app also creates a word box that moves throughout the text in sync with the audio so that the reader can easily follow along with the text. What makes this app so helpful is the ability to speed up the audio rate and thus speed up one's reading rate. For example, I am a rather slow reader and read at a normal rate of probably 300-325 words per minute. With the help of this app I am able to read through a book at a rate of 425-440 words per minute while also listening to the book read aloud. By both reading and listening I am able to retain more material at a quicker rate, and stay focused for longer periods of time. This app allows me to read a pdf book containing 350 pages in roughly 4 hours! I thoroughly enjoy the vBookz app and use it all the time.
The second app is the Swift Player app which allows its user to speed up the playback speed of any audio/video file while maintaining the original voice(s) (the voices do not turn into the Chip-n-Dale voices). The Swift Player app allows me to listen to my audio Bible mp3s at triple the rate, while also reading along in my Bible. Again, I am able to learn both visually and audibly at a much fast rate, with greater retention, and greater focus. By utilizing this method there is no excuse for not reading through the entire New Testament on a monthly basis.
Both of these apps are available for the IPad, but I am not sure if they are available for Android devices. Each app costs $4.99.