Something similar to Yoto for adults?

[TigerRag]

I really do miss being able to read and my only option is audio. I've tried the kindle but because of the nature of my eye condition (it's not just the poor vision / needing large print) this is also very difficult. I found the voice on kindle to be rather robotic

I've looked on the RNIB website and it's either very expensive or not what I'm really after.

I don't want another monthly subscription so I think Audible and the like are out of the question

I keep seeing adverts for Yoto which I think is what I'm after. Whilst I do enjoy a few children's books I also want to read something a bit more grown up. Understandably Yoto don't do many of the sort of books I would like to listen to

Audible is your best bet I’m afraid, what’s putting you off?. You don’t have to have a subscription, you can just buy books as you want them. I think screen readers can cope quite well with it.

Have you tried your library? Mine does audio books. I love audible but don’t want a subscription

I would advise Audible on the basis that you can purchase a whole load of books that you want for the advertised price (rather than purchasing credits for £7.99 each month and buying any book you like for effectively that price) and then pause or stop your membership. My understanding is that you still have access to all the audiobooks you've bought, you just don't get a credit in exchange for £7.99 each month. Do double check that is still the case, of course, but I expect that's you're best bet!

We play free audiobooks for our son from Spotify on his Yoto. You could do that through any Bluetooth speaker.

I second this. I have the Libby app, you can sign in using your library membership. Great selection of audio books and it's all free.

You can get free audio books via borrowbox or similar from your public library service. Have you checked what they offer? I use mine all the time, the app is on my phone & I use Bluetooth headphones.

I've just googled 'audiobook players for adults' and came across the Voxblock but it has a very limited book selection.

https://voxblock.co.uk/products/audiobook-player-elderly

Borrowbox or Libby are free from your local library (in the UK at least). You need to be a library member but it is straightforward to set up. There is a really good selection.

Audible has a 3 months for 99p a month plus a £10 voucher at the moment. You keep the books after you stop membership and there are often offers like that. They have regular sales too, although they aren't as good as they were.

Not quite the same but the BBC sounds app have a good selection of drama/fiction.

To echo PPs: are you a member of, or could you become a member of, a public library? Many public libraries provide access to Borrowbox. It was surprisingly easy to set up. I downloaded the app, typed in my library membership number and off I went. I listen to audiobooks all the time on long drives thanks to it. The selection isn’t as wide as Audible but given it doesn’t cost me anything I’m more than happy with what is available, which is a lot.

Another app, Libby, provides free audiobooks too and is also available through my library membership.

We own Yotos and I sometimes use one of them as a Bluetooth speaker but content-wise I do not rely on Yoto.

Thank you. I've just got Audibles 99p offer. Shall investigate my local library

Yoto doesn't come with content really (a daily podcast and a few other bits but all for children of course), you have to pay for all the books etc so the same as audible.

I like the idea of Voxblock so much more than Yoto. Unless I am wrong, you cant make your own "cards" or use any other audio than their own little electronic "books" or can you?

Again the library we have audio books on CD and things called playaways that you just plug headphones into!

I cancelled my membership to audible when I started to work at the library and learned about borrow box and libby!!

I’m confused why you’d like it more considering you can’t make your own. Surely that means Yoto has the edge?

I use my local library. If you have Spotify then family account comes with 15 hours a month of audiobook for the lead adult.

BBC Sounds has an audio books section too. I haven't tried it myself.

ETA with audible you do get to keep the books you buy with credits, even when you stop your subscription. I think a Yoto would have cost me more than I've spent on audible.

Voxblock is a device of its own. Yoto has to be run with a smart phone or at least a computer /I am having a trouble to find out/ and connects to wifi. I dont like any that. Also I wouldnt be able to use it if a smart phone is needed.

Library. Check which app they use. Ours is BorrowBox and is fab.

P.S And it’s great for children too.

Not helpful yet but Yoto are thinking about perhaps moving into the adult sphere as well in the future www.thebookseller.com/news/yotos-2025-revenue-a-lot-higher-co-founder-ben-drury-reveals-at-futurebook

I have just checked with Voxblock and they said teh make your own card are something they are "working on and hope to release in the near future."
That would be great in my eyes.
Also if they looked into a smaller card instead of the little book but would be happy to sacrifice that for the non-connectivity nature of Voxblock.