Smart TV reading app?

[jdh5484]

I've googled this issue and I'm coming up empty. Maybe I'm not using the right search words.

Problem: A family member's eyesight is failing. A few years ago he read 3 print newspapers each day. Now he can only read the headlines. Unfortunately, he's computer illiterate (in his 90s) and can't use a mouse or keyboard ... otherwise, I would hook up a computer to his 60" smart TV and use it as a display. Then I could get the digital editions of the newspapers. I also got him a smart tv so he could use voice commands to search for shows but he really can't do that either. He screws up his request ... tries to be conversational.

Question: Is anyone here aware of any reading app for a smart tv or a way to get digital newspapers to the tv so they can be read while browsing? (similar to browsing digital editions on the computer but instead of a mouse, using a remote to navigate.

Sounds simple but the only thing I've been able to find is a TV app for the Washington Post that is really a beta version.

Suggestions? Ideas?

 

[Detroitgator]

I've googled this issue and I'm coming up empty. Maybe I'm not using the right search words.

Problem: A family member's eyesight is failing. A few years ago he read 3 print newspapers each day. Now he can only read the headlines. Unfortunately, he's computer illiterate (in his 90s) and can't use a mouse or keyboard ... otherwise, I would hook up a computer to his 60" smart TV and use it as a display. Then I could get the digital editions of the newspapers. I also got him a smart tv so he could use voice commands to search for shows but he really can't do that either. He screws up his request ... tries to be conversational.

Question: Is anyone here aware of any reading app for a smart tv or a way to get digital newspapers to the tv so they can be read while browsing? (similar to browsing digital editions on the computer but instead of a mouse, using a remote to navigate.

Sounds simple but the only thing I've been able to find is a TV app for the Washington Post that is really a beta version.

Suggestions? Ideas?

Use phone or tablet and cast/screen share to the smart tv. You can do books, newspapers... from app on the device cast to the tv. That's all I got

 

[jdh5484]

Use phone or tablet and cast/screen share to the smart tv. You can do books, newspapers... from app on the device cast to the tv. That's all I got

Thanks for the response. He can't navigate a smart phone... or tablet ... or Alexa. He can do a remote (the same one he's had for years).
It may just come down to a caretaker turning pages for him on a cell projected to the TV.

With the printed newspaper going the way if the dinosaur, and the crappy quality of network/cable news, and the aging boomer demographic, I think a digital version of the newspaper (without all the pop up ads you see on a computer) that can be navigated using the TV remote may keep that industry alive.

Not helping now though.

 

[Detroitgator]

Thanks for the response. He can't navigate a smart phone... or tablet ... or Alexa. He can do a remote (the same one he's had for years).
It may just come down to a caretaker turning pages for him on a cell projected to the TV.

With the printed newspaper going the way if the dinosaur, and the crappy quality of network/cable news, and the aging boomer demographic, I think a digital version of the newspaper (without all the pop up ads you see on a computer) that can be navigated using the TV remote may keep that industry alive.

Not helping now though.

Yup, only one I've seen do it right is my favorite Pakistani newspaper "Dawn." It's online,, but they do it ePaper so it's more like a pdf or kindle, but on the web.
Dawn-ePaper | Mar 12, 2021 | Page Front Page

 

[CDGator]

I’m sorry JDH, our family has been there and it’s so frustrating. Whoever can design these items for the elderly will make a fortune. It’s getting better but not there yet.

 

[grengadgy]

The key thing here is "SMART TV" aren't that smart. Like Detroitgator says a smart phone is getting very close to what you want but at 90 years old he will have to have help in projecting it to a big screen tv.

Alexa will play Podcast on Fox News, CNN etc for hours on end.

 

[CDGator]

The key thing here is "SMART TV" aren't that smart. Like Detroitgator says a smart phone is getting very close to what you want but at 90 years old he will have to have help in projecting it to a big screen tv.

Alexa will play Podcast on Fox News, CNN etc for hours on end.

We used Alexa for @Seedy’s mom and renamed it “computer” then put up a sign that said “computer call...” for her to remember what to say. It worked for a time and she could be left alone. Eventually her voice was too feeble for it to hear her. Alexa has a lot of great features but may not be right.

I was thinking an Apple TV with the iPad that pushes it to the tv but that would still require assistance.

 

[grengadgy]

We used Alexa for @Seedy’s mom and renamed it “computer” then put up a sign that said “computer call...” for her to remember what to say. It worked for a time and she could be left alone. Eventually her voice was too feeble for it to hear her. Alexa has a lot of great features but may not be right.

I was thinking an Apple TV with the iPad that pushes it to the tv but that would still require assistance.

I renamed all my Alexas to "Computer" and that works until my brother-in-law calls for computer help and then it always ends up in a 3-way conversation.

 

[CDGator]

I renamed all my Alexas to "Computer" and that works until my brother-in-law calls for computer and then it always ends up in a 3-way conversation.

We were given an Alexa as a gift and it was novel for a while but disconnected it. Have you ever logged into your Amazon account and delved into the history and what it has searched for?

 

[grengadgy]

Sure.....Have you ever seen a record of your browser search history and wondered what the hell was I looking for that day?

As far as Alexa remembering.......Just say Alexa, Delete everything that I have said today , I wish Google was that easy.

 

[CDGator]

Sure.....Have you ever seen a record of your browser search history and wondered what the hell was I looking for that day?

Yes but the difference is that Alexa picks up conversations and random words as opposed to an intentional search.

 

[grengadgy]

Alexa: If I say any bad things today, I want you to erase them......


Yes Master.......