Q: How do you handle threads being read out?
A: We treat conversation threads a bit differently, it's not like Gmail or Outlook where you can expand and collapse the replies in the thread. We handle this differently because we are preparing the content as speech.
We automatically scan for your email address and stop reading out the email at the point that we know it already was sent to or from you. This way Speaking Email reads right to the point it needs to. Speaking Email tells you where it skips and why, for example "skipping reply thread because you were CCed on this email already". It then pauses a few seconds, in which you can tap the Play button or say "play" or "continue" to read out the full trail. Also, if you tap Previous to go back to it, it will read out the full email.
If we simply cut off at the first reply we might miss something - for example if someone forwards you an email saying "see below - unbelievable" we continue reading the next thread boundary. If we combined all replies from a thread together in one screen, we might be reading out old messages that you've seen before.
You can switch smart thread skipping on or off in Preferences.
What is Speaking Email?
An app for iPhone and Android that reads your email out loud to you. It intelligently extracts content from emails (minus the signatures, disclaimers and threads). And it lets you action your email - archive, mark-as-read, trash, flag, reply, or forward. It can be completely by voice command, or use the large on-screen buttons or full screen touch gestures.
Who is it for?
People with blindness or visual impairment. People who are busy and run out of time to get through their inbox. People who want to make productive use of time when driving between appointments.
Do you have Apple CarPlay?
See our other product Speaking Email CarPlay.
