Useful tool
Glisten essentially does two things: first, it creates realtime subtitles for podcasts you might be using for language study— you basically get to read along as you listen (you can search the Apple podcast ecosystem from with the app, or import via a feed’s URL); in addition, the app gives you the ability to adjust the speed of playback and (automatically) insert pauses and repeat loops for sentences. The developer calls the different settings « listening workouts » but I think of them more like « gears » that you use to adjust the settings as appropriate….. much as a cyclist will gear down a little before a steep hill. For example, I just played a most of a podcast at regular speed— wanting to focus on a particular passage, I changed settings so it slowed playback down a bit and briefly paused between sentences. This is a useful tool for any language learner—I’m using it with French podcasts and definitely recommend. I’m happy enough to change from a monthly to a yearly subscription. 👍🚴
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Response from developer
I really like the analogy of gearing down. It's a great way to describe what Glisten does. I also like to think of it is Augmented Audio. Augmented Reality is generally about what you see, where Augmented Audio is the same thing, but for listening. The device changes the audio in various ways, and can insert content, to make it more understandable.
Best Language App! Great Features!
I’ve spent years studying a few languages in endless ways. This app provides the best features to develop actual comfort and confidence in a language you are studying. It allows a variety of ways to listen and read at the same time. It has a bunch of different ‘workout’ methods. It’s super convenient, using easily available podcasts right from within the app. You can also set it to Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced, and switch whenever you want.
I love this app! It’s what I’ve been searching for—a way to use “comprehensible input” (the most highly regarded method in language learning today), without any struggle, and for it to be fun—being able to change workout styles whenever you feel like it—keeps the whole process fresh.
I hope more and more people get excited about this app, so that the developer will keep working on it. I’m using it on both iPhone and iPad, so that’s excellent too. Absolutely recommend this if you really want to develop you language ability!
I love this app! It’s what I’ve been searching for—a way to use “comprehensible input” (the most highly regarded method in language learning today), without any struggle, and for it to be fun—being able to change workout styles whenever you feel like it—keeps the whole process fresh.
I hope more and more people get excited about this app, so that the developer will keep working on it. I’m using it on both iPhone and iPad, so that’s excellent too. Absolutely recommend this if you really want to develop you language ability!
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Response from developer
Thank you! Glad you are enjoying Glisten. We’ll do our best to keep improving it.
¡Excelente!
I teach/learn Spanish through hosting the Medical Spanish Podcast, and I just tried this application out, and I love it. The transcription is auto generated, so there will be a few errors, but they’re rare. It’s an awesome way to immerse yourself in Spanish, and be able to repeat things and see the transcript when needed. If you hear a phrase or word you want to add to your vocabulary, you can easily go back and find it, listen to it again and you can even copy it and paste it into a note for later reference. Love it! Bravo!
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Response from developer
Thanks! Glad you like the concept.