Is there a manual?
A major advantage of the app: the user is being led through the training based on the initial tests. Each exercise is explained prior to the exercise through a brief tutorial.
Can the exercise be played in a different language?
Yes. Just select the training language via settings on the start screen.
Why are some exercises unavailable to play with in the beginning?
Exercises get unblocked as player’s performance improves within the training plan.
How is the reading power calculated?
The reading performance increases when practicing in the training plan or individual exercises. For the actual calculation a mathematical model has been used, which is determined depending on the selected exercises and other factors as well as a series of data reading performance.
Does the reading performance increase even if practiced outside of the training plan?
If the training is improved directly within the selected exercises, the reading power is affected in exactly the same way as it is during the training plan.
Which and how many rankings are there?
There are ten ranks in total.
- Reading Beginner
- Reading Talent
- Reading High-flyer
- Reading Know all
- Reading Expert
- Reading Master
- Reading PHD
- Reading Professor
- Reading Hero
- Speed-Reading Pro
How many points are attainable?
The number of points is endless. Good players can attain around 100 points, very good ones between 130 and 140 points.
What kind of progress can be expected and in what average time frame?
The individual progress depends on two factors:
- Regular practice, best 3x a day.
- Following the training plan consistently
How many points are needed to unlock the individual exercises?
The individual exercises are unlocked upon completion of each training schedule unit. In the beginning after each unit. Later on, through progression - after several units.
The app doesn’t work or suddenly shuts down - any advice?
We suggest to follow steps below:
- Check on the Google Play Store if the current Reading Trainer is installed.
- Check if the latest Android version is installed.
- Close the Android device down and then turn on again.
How can HeKu IT be contacted?
HeKu IT can be contacted via
reading.trainer@heku-it.com.
The HeKu IT service-team will deal with your concern as soon as possible.
How many units are there?
The amount of units is infinite.
Can the exercises be completed or are they infinite?
The exercises can be played infinitely.
What does the value of the points mean?
The value of the points combines the current capacity of your reading power. It’s comparable to the value of the IQ (intelligence quotient). So the own capability can be estimated and compared with other users.
What is the average reading achievement that can be aimed for?
Good players get about 100 points, very good ones between 130 and 140 points.
Are there any texts for young readers?
The texts of the easy levels are also suitable for younger readers. If you wish you can also insert appropriate texts in the power reader using the clipboard.
Is there an ideal distance from the screen, which promotes the best result?
It depends on the personal preference, the lighting and the eventual reflection of the sunlight.
How does the exercise Even Numbers work?
The exercise “Even numbers” is about clicking on the even numbers.
Each four-digit sequence is one number - if it is divisible by two, it is even.
6548, 5556, 1134, etc. are even numbers. 8881, 1347, 2311, etc. are odd numbers.
It is enough if you pay attention to the last digit, which in case of an even number should be either a 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8.
Can a user be renamed?
The function user selection is deliberately not included in order to minimize the complexity of the app. You can only create or delete users. Editing is not possible.
In the exercise “Numbers” the field for the digits seems to act strangely. If 9 is entered it turns into a 1, or two successive numbers are automatically inverted by the system – what is happening?
The programme is designed in a way that at the end it always shows the digit that would have been right. For example, if 12345 has been displayed and 13245 was entered, the last typed digits are switched into the correct order – in this case the 3 typed in would change into a 2 and the 2 into a 3.
Why is the block of numbers in the “Numbers” exercise on the interface different to the one on the keyboard?
The layout of the block of numbers corresponds to the block of numbers on the device (pin input, mobile phone keyboard ...). In order to not confuse the user, there is only one layout so far and no further planned.
Can personal texts be inserted and is it possible to train with those texts?
If you wish, you can insert your own texts via the clipboard of the Power Reader.
This is what makes the app even more interesting: The possibility to train your reading velocity whilst working.
How can texts be inserted and used via the clipboard?
Texts can be used via the clipboard in the power reader as follows:
- Choose any text and copy several paragraphs
- Start the PowerReader and select “text from clipboard” via the button “text”
- Press start
On which devices can I use the “Reading Trainer”?
ReadingTrainer versions currently exist for iPad, iPhone/iPod touch, Windows PCs and Android.
Will the app support more languages in the future?
Yes, we are constantly working on other languages. The Reading Trainer currently supports German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Portuguese.
Why does the score not increase in some exercises, despite error-free rounds?
The increase of the points is very slow beyond a certain score. Due to technical reasons, the difficulty is increased after each very good run. Points are then still added, however, only after several error-free runs.
What is the difference between WPM Test and Power Reader?
The WPM-test tests the text comprehension through questions that are asked after the reading of the text. The text can be read without a speed limit.
With the Power Reader the quick recording of words / lines is trained. The user can set individually the amount of words / lines that are displayed and at what speed.
There is also an option to read your own texts via the clipboard.
Why are there breaks in between the units? Can they be stopped?
After a series of exercises the app recommends a pause and the training schedule is interrupted. During this time, although individual exercises can be done, it is best to strongly adhere to the break times. The reason: The development of new brain structures and neuro-associative connections occurs during periods of rest. It is best to use this time for a recreational activity.
Can you skip unpopular tasks in the training plan?
The training plan was developed by reading coaches with years of experience.
The exercises make sense and in their entirety and, in total, are conducive to improved reading performance. Therefore, it would not make sense to skip some tasks. There is, however, after completing all the individual exercises, the option to select the desired exercises. Ensure these sessions are created individually.
After some time, words, sentences and texts are being repeated - are there any updates planned?
We are constantly working on publishing additional words, sentences and texts in future updates.
Can I build my own training plan with the existing individual exercises?
The training plan was developed by reading coaches with years of experience.
The exercises make sense and in their entirety and, in total, are conducive to improved reading performance. Therefore, it would not make sense to skip some tasks. There is, however, after completing all the individual exercises, the option to select the desired exercises. Ensure these sessions are created individually.
Can two users exist simultaneously?
Yes, it allows multiple users to play on one device, but not simultaneously. When a new user wants to train, he must first register and the previous user is logged out automatically. The various accounts will remain there until the users delete them themselves.
Are there any similar apps from Heku IT or are there any planned?
More apps are currently in preparation.
Is the app suitable for learning languages?
If foreign language knowledge exists already, the app can certainly be used for deepening of language skills, but it makes no claim to be a language learning program.
Can you read books or PDF with the Power Reader?
Whole books or PDFs cannot be read with the Power Reader yet, but any text can be copied, and used with the clipboard in the Power Reader. It is currently in development for future versions.
Is there a forum or an alternative method to confer with other users?
Such a forum doesn’t exist yet.
When do the letters / numbers / words which haven’t been found, start blinking? Does it depend on the amount of already found ones or on the time?
It depends in some exercises (eg, word search) on the amount of already found letters / numbers / words from, (word search) in others on the time (text search).
Is an internet connection required to be able to use the app?
To use the app no Internet connection is required except for downloading or validating the app.
Is there any sound?
Currently the app has no sound.
Any further questions or suggestions?
Simply send an email to
reading.trainer@heku-it.com. The HeKu IT service team will take care of your request and concern as soon as possible.