Tushar Mehta / Android Authority
Do you also struggle with information overload yet scramble to catch up on topics that truly interest you? I certainly do, especially since reading and keeping track of daily developments is a pertinent requirement of my job. Thankfully, I have developed a system that helps me keep focused while reading, even when motivation tanks.
While the constant deluge of information never ends, I use some tricks to tame my desire to stay up to date with all — even remotely — interesting topics. These five tricks I mention below apply to any Android phone, irrespective of its version or custom skin from any manufacturer.
Google’s Reading mode
Tushar Mehta / Android Authority
Reading mode is a power tool, which Google, I feel, incorrectly classifies as an accessibility app. The app tops my list of productivity recommendations and has been my catalyst for reading on any Android phone. The simplistic interface transforms varyingly-sized chunks of texts into bits that are much easier to read by displaying it in an overlay on top of the source.
It cuts out unwanted breaks and distractions, such as ads or media galleries from web pages, leaving behind an uninterrupted sequence of words. If that is not enough, it includes features to alter the text, and the background, visually by changing colors, fonts, spacing, and even alignment of the text. And when my eyes get tired of reading, I can simply switch to the built-in read aloud mode. A horizontal line also helps my eyes from wavering.
What truly excites me is that Reading mode’s applications are not limited to just web pages. It also renders text from email, social media, and even RSS readers — with some acceptable limitations, which makes it ideal for reading long LinkedIn posts about B2B lessons hidden in heartbreaks or consume my daily starters from newsletters. It can simply be conjured up over any app with simple gestures, quick settings tile, or a dedicated accessibility button.
While Reading mode deserves to be a core Android feature, it must be downloaded separately from the Play Store. Thankfully, the initial setup and the subsequent settings are fairly simple.
Switch off lights and make screen Extra Dim
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