Getting Started
Quick Start Guide
- Add Text: Copy and paste text from anywhere, or use the Share Extension to send content from Safari, emails, or other apps.
- Open a Session: Tap on any text you've saved to open the RSVP reader.
- Adjust Speed: Use the WPM (Words Per Minute) slider to set your reading speed. Start slow (200-300 WPM) and increase gradually.
- Hit Play: Press the play button and keep your eye on the center red letter (the Optimal Recognition Point).
- Practice: Use Breu daily. Your speed and comprehension will improve naturally over time.
Understanding the Interface
Optimal Recognition Point (ORP): The red letter in the center of each word. This is the scientifically optimal point for your eye to focus on. Research shows this speeds up word recognition by 20-30%.
WPM Slider: Controls how fast words appear. Move it left for slower speeds, right for faster speeds.
Play/Pause Button: Start reading or take a break. When you resume, Breu automatically rewinds 3 words for context.
Full Text View: Tap any word to jump to that position. Useful if you want to re-read or get more context.
Troubleshooting
I'm getting distracted or losing focus
This is normal when learning RSVP. Your brain is used to eye movements (saccades) that consume reading time. Try these: (1) Start at slower speeds (200 WPM), (2) Practice in a quiet environment, (3) Read shorter articles first (5-10 minutes), (4) Take breaks between sessions. Your focus will improve dramatically with practice.
The app is crashing or freezing
Try these steps: (1) Force quit the app and reopen it, (2) Restart your iPhone or iPad, (3) Make sure you have the latest version of Breu from the App Store, (4) Check that you have at least 100MB of free storage. If the issue persists, contact support with details about when the crash occurs.
I'm not seeing my saved texts
Saved texts are stored locally on your device. Check: (1) Make sure you're on the correct device (if you use multiple devices, each stores texts separately), (2) Texts may be deleted after a certain period of inactivity in some versions, (3) Try scrolling down in the library to see older texts. Breu doesn't sync across devices—everything is stored privately on your device.
Text isn't pasting from my clipboard
Make sure: (1) You've copied text to your clipboard first (try copying in your browser or Notes app), (2) The text has at least a few words (Breu requires minimum text length), (3) You have pasted the text in the correct input field. If pasting still doesn't work, try using the Share Extension instead.
How do I use the Share Extension?
The Share Extension lets you send text to Breu from Safari, Mail, News apps, and more. (1) Select text or tap Share in the app, (2) Swipe left through the share options to find "Breu", (3) Tap it to add the text to your library. If you don't see Breu in your share menu, go to Settings > More and enable it.
Why is my reading speed slower than expected?
Several factors affect speed: (1) Word length - longer words are automatically slowed down by Breu's adaptive timing, (2) Punctuation - commas and periods add pauses for natural comprehension, (3) Your learning phase - if you're new to RSVP, your brain needs time to adapt. Keep practicing and your speed will increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RSVP reading really effective?
Yes! RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) has been studied for over 40 years. Research consistently shows 2-3x speed improvements while maintaining comprehension. By eliminating eye movements (saccades), which consume 40-50% of reading time, RSVP allows your brain to focus entirely on processing words.
Will I lose comprehension at higher speeds?
Not if you increase speed gradually. Start at 250-300 WPM (slightly faster than normal) and work your way up over days or weeks. The app's adaptive timing adjusts for word difficulty, punctuation, and frequency to maintain natural comprehension. Most users find their sweet spot between 400-600 WPM.
Is my reading data private?
Absolutely. Breu processes everything locally on your device. We don't collect, store, or transmit any of your reading material. There are no analytics, no tracking, no servers. Your reading stays completely private.
Does it work with ebooks or PDFs?
Breu works with any text you can copy. For ebooks, copy sections from your reader app. For PDFs, copy the text you want to read. We're designed for text content rather than formatted documents, which allows for optimal RSVP presentation.
Can I adjust the reading speed while reading?
Yes! You can pause at any time and adjust your WPM using the slider. The app saves your preferred speed, so you only need to set it once. We recommend starting slower and gradually increasing as you get comfortable.
What if I miss a word or lose focus?
No problem! When you press play again, the app automatically rewinds 3 words to help you regain context. You can also tap any word in the full-text view to jump to that position. Your progress is always saved.
Why is the center letter highlighted in red?
That's the Optimal Recognition Point (ORP), positioned at 35% into each word based on eye-tracking research. By keeping your eye fixed on this point, your brain recognizes words fastest. This is the scientific foundation that makes RSVP so effective.
Is Breu suitable for children or students?
Yes! Speed reading skills are valuable at any age. For younger readers, we recommend starting at slower speeds (200-250 WPM) and focusing on comprehension. Many students use Breu for textbook chapters, articles, and study materials.
What types of content work best with Breu?
RSVP excels with articles, emails, reports, blog posts, and narrative books. It's perfect for information consumption and professional reading. For highly technical material with equations or code, or for poetry where you want to savor language, traditional reading may be preferred.
How do I get my reading material into the app?
Simply copy and paste text from anywhere! You can also use the Share Extension to send text directly from Safari, email, or any app. The app works completely offline—no internet connection required.