Many Microsoft apps come with an amazing tool called Immersive Reader that offers additional reading support. The Immersive Reader was created to primarily help users improve their reading and comprehension.

The Reader is essentially a tool that converts text to speech. Though comprehension rates remain the same whether one reads or listens, a voice can certainly liven up the article. Perhaps that’s why it’s called the Immersive Reader.

Since Microsoft owns LinkedIn, we are now starting to see the feature available in articles and newsletters.

Using one of our Security Driver Journal newsletters as an example, this article will provide you with an overview of the Immersive Reader’s features. To switch to the Immersive Reader, click the Open Immersive Reader button.

Once you click the button, it transforms the text into the Reader.

Just Click Play!

Clicking the small play button at the bottom, you will begin to hear a voice narrate the text of the article.

By clicking on the small cog-speaker icon, you can access additional playback options such as adjusting the voice speed and choosing between a male or female voice. However, the current voices sound quite robotic, and it would be great if Microsoft could introduce more AI-powered voices that are more pleasant to listen to.

Additional Settings

Additional icons are located at the top right of the Reader. Each icon opens options to enhance the user experience.

These options include customizing the font size and style and theme color choices.

I believe one of the best features is the option to translate both written and spoken content into your native tongue.