eInk device that plays MP3’s?

[zpyroro]

I have a Kindle Keyboard, which is great for reading, listening to Audible, text-to-speech and music, and even playing interactive fiction games. But screen technology has improved so much. Is there anything newer that will also play music files?

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by zpyroro

I have a Kindle Keyboard, which is great for reading, listening to Audible, text-to-speech and music, and even playing interactive fiction games. But screen technology has improved so much. Is there anything newer that will also play music files?

Some of the PocketBook models (Touch HD 3 and Era are two of them) will play MP3 files. Some of the old Sony readers will also play MP3 files.

[Barbara1955]

I haven't done it but a neighbor has.... Any Reader that you can connect to Bluetooth speaker can play music. As long as it also does MP3.

[salamanderjuice]

The Android devices from Boox and Likebook can. Some have a speaker built-in, some need Bluetooth. They can also do music streaming from whatever app.

[tomsem]

Originally Posted by rcentros

Some of the PocketBook models (Touch HD 3 and Era are two of them) will play MP3 files. Some of the old Sony readers will also play MP3 files.

In addition these have TTS in a number of voices and languages.

[Ned]

The Kobo Sage and Libra 2 can play MP3 files to bluetooth - details on this site how to do it

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by Ned

The Kobo Sage and Libra 2 can play MP3 files to bluetooth - details on this site how to do it

But it's rubbish. You can't manage a music library and can't play while you read.

Really any old android phone with a new battery and 32G SD card is better. SIM not needed. Delete Google account after installing Apps. You aren't using the screen except to select a new folder or playlist. Even the Android eink is pointless. I use Musicolet on Android because it can do folder playing or playlists and can remember location so works for mp3 audiobooks.

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by salamanderjuice

The Android devices from Boox and Likebook can. Some have a speaker built-in, some need Bluetooth. They can also do music streaming from whatever app.

The Mars has a real headphone socket too. But I'd rather use ANY old Android phone.

[Ned]

Originally Posted by Quoth

But it's rubbish..

The request was not for one that wasn't rubbish, just for one that did it.
They do play MP3s, though it's not a feature I would ever use, not having bluetooth earphones.

Over and out.

[tomsem]

Yes, even on PocketBook, the stock MP3 and audiobook player will not play in background, something any phone or tablet will do.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by Quoth

But it's rubbish. You can't manage a music library and can't play while you read.

Originally Posted by tomsem

Yes, even on PocketBook, the stock MP3 and audiobook player will not play in background, something any phone or tablet will do.

Actually the PocketBook will play music in the background while reading. I'm doing it now as a test. (Touch HD 3, can't vouch for other models.)

You touch the — (line) on the right side of of the Music Player title and it'll go to your home screen without shutting down the Music Player. Then pick and read your book.

EDIT: That said, I don't like music in the background when reading. And I don't think it would be good on your battery. I've got a little dedicated MP3 player that uses an AAA battery and a microSD card for the music (Sansa slotMusic Player). (I hardly ever use that either, but that's what I would use if I wanted to listen to music while reading.)

[tomsem]

Originally Posted by rcentros

Actually the PocketBook will play music in the background while reading. I'm doing it now as a test. (Touch HD 3, can't vouch for other models.)

You touch the — (line) on the right side of of the Music Player title and it'll go to your home screen without shutting down the Music Player. Then pick and read your book.

EDIT: That said, I don't like music in the background when reading. And I don't think it would be good on your battery. I've got a little dedicated MP3 player that uses an AAA battery and a microSD card for the music (Sansa slotMusic Player). (I hardly ever use that either, but that's what I would use if I wanted to listen to music while reading.)

I missed that. It will also play audiobooks in background. The use case here is to read along as you listen to the audiobook. I don't really care if battery drains faster: time to get up and do something else while it recharges.

The weird part is that they are not shown in Library, or Home Screen. You have to go to the Audiobook app specifically.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by tomsem

I missed that. It will also play audiobooks in background. The use case here is to read along as you listen to the audiobook. I don't really care if battery drains faster: time to get up and do something else while it recharges.

I'm not really worried about recharging the battery itself (the battery life is good on the HD 3). I'm more worried about wearing down the battery by charging it too many times. Probably should just use it and not worry about it.

Originally Posted by tomsem

The weird part is that they are not shown in Library, or Home Screen. You have to go to the Audiobook app specifically.

Yeah, it's the same with the Music Player App. I think the PocketBook UI could probably use some redesigning.

[Michal Jancik]

Originally Posted by tomsem

Yes, even on PocketBook, the stock MP3 and audiobook player will not play in background, something any phone or tablet will do.

Tried on Inkpad3 (latest update version) and both TTS and Audiobooks work in the background.

In addition, it is not a problem to have the home screen open as well.
Since it is an E-INK screen, it does not draw any energy if there is no movement. (without backlight of course)

[John F]

Originally Posted by Michal Jancik

...

In addition, it is not a problem to have the home screen open as well.
Since it is an E-INK screen, it does not draw any energy if there is no movement. (without backlight of course)

Maybe a little power for touch detection?