Read Aloud

When your hands are busy, let the agent read its replies out loud.

1. Turn on read-aloud

On the chat page, tap the Read Aloud button in the toolbar. Once on, the agent's replies are read aloud automatically.

Read-aloud uses the phone's built-in text-to-speech (TTS): no extra data, no extra charge.

2. Choose a voice

Go to Settings → Read Aloud to see the available voices:

• System default: picked automatically by language — usually the simplest option
• Other voices are provided by the phone's system; the options vary by model

If the list is empty, this device has no usable speech engine.

3. Read-aloud mode

WhaleLink offers a Read Aloud mode: when sending, it adds a formatting request so the agent organizes replies in a way that is better for listening.

It suits these cases:

• Listening on the go, with little screen time
• Replies with lots of code or tables — you want the key points spoken
• Cutting out unnecessary symbols and links

In read-aloud mode the agent usually:

• Uses more conversational language
• Skips lengthy paths and code details in favor of explanations
• Reads lists as flowing sentences

4. Common prompts

"Read aloud unavailable (no usable system speech engine)"

The phone has no speech engine installed or enabled. You can:

• iOS: enable and download voices under Settings → Accessibility → Spoken Content
• Android: install voice data under Settings → Language & input → Text-to-speech

Read-aloud cuts out or is silent

• Check media volume (not ringtone volume)
• Make sure no other app is using audio
• If Bluetooth headphones are acting up, disconnect and reconnect

5. How it differs from voice input

• Voice input: you speak → it becomes text → sent to the agent
• Read aloud: the agent's reply → becomes speech → read to you

Both can be on at once for a full voice conversation. See Voice Control.