Product Introduction
- Katalog is a listen-it-later platform that enables users to save articles from the web and listen to them using hyper-realistic AI-generated narration. The product preserves article content even if the original source becomes unavailable, ensuring permanent access to saved materials. Users interact with the platform through voice commands to ask questions, take notes, or highlight key points during playback.
- The core value of Katalog lies in transforming passive reading into an immersive audio experience optimized for retention and multitasking. By combining AI-enhanced transcripts with natural-sounding narration, it addresses the limitations of traditional text-to-speech tools. The platform also future-proofs content access by archiving articles independently of their original URLs.
Main Features
- Users save articles by pasting URLs into Katalog, which extracts and stores only the core content while removing ads, trackers, and other webpage clutter. The system preserves articles permanently, even if the source page is deleted or modified later. Saved content is organized into a searchable library accessible across devices via the web app.
- Katalog processes article transcripts through proprietary AI models to optimize structure, remove redundancies, and insert natural pauses before generating narration. This results in audio output that mimics human pacing and intonation patterns, unlike standard text-to-speech systems. Voice interaction allows real-time commands like "Ask: What's the main argument here?" during playback.
- A semantic search engine indexes saved articles, notes, and highlights using NLP to understand context rather than just keywords. Users can search for concepts like "productivity techniques for remote teams" across their entire library. The system surfaces relevant content segments and connects related ideas from different sources through AI-generated insights.
Problems Solved
- Katalog solves content overload by enabling users to consume articles hands-free during commutes, workouts, or other activities where reading isn't feasible. The voice interaction system prevents distraction by eliminating the need to pause playback for manual note-taking.
- The platform primarily serves professionals, researchers, and students who need to process large volumes of written content efficiently. It's particularly valuable for non-native English speakers who benefit from clear audio articulation of complex texts.
- Typical use cases include preserving paywalled articles before subscriptions expire, analyzing research papers through audio replays, and preparing for meetings by listening to industry reports during morning routines. Users also leverage the permanent archive to maintain access to frequently referenced materials.
Unique Advantages
- Unlike Pocket or Instapaper that focus on text preservation, Katalog redesigns content consumption around audio-first principles with adaptive pacing controls and chapterized playback. The AI doesn't just read text but restructures it for optimal auditory comprehension.
- Proprietary voice processing algorithms adjust narration speed dynamically based on content complexity, slowing down for technical sections while maintaining natural rhythm. The system generates custom audio previews that summarize articles in 60-second highlights before full playback.
- Competitive advantages include free access during public beta, upcoming Pocket migration tools for users transitioning from shutting-down services, and planned browser extensions for one-click saving. Future roadmap items include collaborative listening rooms and AI-generated discussion questions for team use cases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is Katalog available to use right now? Yes, Katalog is in public beta and fully functional for all users with free access during this testing phase. The team actively incorporates user feedback into weekly updates while maintaining 99.9% uptime for saved content storage.
- How much does Katalog cost? The service remains completely free during public beta, with no feature limitations. Post-launch plans include a free tier with basic features and a Pro subscription offering unlimited AI enhancements, priority support, and advanced search filters.
- Do you have iOS/Android apps? Currently, Katalog operates as a progressive web app compatible with all modern browsers. Native iOS and Android apps are in active development, scheduled for release alongside Chrome and Safari extensions in Q4 2023.
- How does Katalog differ from apps like Pocket? While both services save articles, Katalog processes content through multiple AI layers for audio optimization rather than just storing text. The platform enables voice-driven interaction during playback, a feature absent in traditional read-it-later apps.
- Can I import my library from other apps? Bulk import functionality for Pocket and other services is under development, with migration tools expected before Pocket's shutdown. Users can currently manually import articles via CSV while automated solutions are being tested.
