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Kafka provides a full-featured audio player for streaming audiobooks directly from the Internet Archive. The player supports background playback, playback speed control, and sleep timers.

Starting Audio Playback

You can start playing audio files from any item detail page:
1

Open an item with audio files

Navigate to any audiobook or item that contains audio files from your library or search results.
2

Browse available audio files

View the list of audio files with their durations and formats. Files are organized by chapters or parts.
3

Tap to play

Tap any audio file to start playback immediately. The audio will begin streaming from the Internet Archive.
Audio files are streamed by default. You can download them for offline playback using the download button next to each file.

Player Controls

The audio player provides a mini player that stays visible while you navigate the app, and a full player sheet with advanced controls.

Mini Player

The mini player appears at the bottom of the screen when audio is playing:
  • Shows the current track title, artist, and album artwork
  • Play/pause button for quick control
  • Tap to expand to the full player

Full Player

Expand the mini player to access the full playback interface:

Now Playing

  • Album artwork display
  • Track title and artist information
  • Album name
  • Current playback position

Playback Controls

  • Play/pause button
  • Skip forward/backward
  • Progress bar with seek control
  • Volume control

Background Playback

Kafka supports background playback, allowing you to listen to audiobooks while using other apps or when your screen is off.

How It Works

  • Audio continues playing when you switch to another app
  • Playback persists when the screen is locked
  • Media controls appear in your notification panel
  • Lock screen displays album artwork and playback controls
Use the media controls in your device’s notification panel or lock screen to control playback without opening the app.

Playback Speed Control

Adjust the playback speed to listen faster or slower:
1

Open the full player

Tap the mini player to expand it to the full player view.
2

Access speed settings

Look for the playback speed control in the player controls area.
3

Select your speed

Choose from preset speeds (0.5x, 0.75x, 1x, 1.25x, 1.5x, 2x) or set a custom speed.

Available Speeds

  • 0.5x - Half speed (for language learning)
  • 0.75x - Three-quarters speed
  • 1x - Normal speed (default)
  • 1.25x - Slightly faster
  • 1.5x - One and a half times speed
  • 2x - Double speed
Playback speed adjustments maintain audio quality and don’t affect pitch.

Sleep Timer

Set a sleep timer to automatically stop playback after a specified duration - perfect for listening before bed.

Setting a Sleep Timer

1

Open timer settings

In the full player, tap the sleep timer icon to open timer settings.
2

Choose duration

Select from preset durations:
  • 5 minutes
  • 10 minutes
  • 15 minutes
  • 30 minutes
  • 45 minutes
  • 1 hour
  • End of current chapter
3

Timer starts

The timer begins counting down. Playback will fade out and stop when time expires.
You can cancel or adjust the sleep timer at any time from the player controls.

Resume Playback

Kafka automatically saves your listening position:
  • Return to audiobooks exactly where you left off
  • Resume from the homepage’s “Continue Reading” section
  • Playback position syncs across devices when signed in
  • Works for both streamed and downloaded audio

Smart Resume

When you open an audiobook you’ve started, Kafka automatically loads the last track you were listening to and resumes from your exact position.

Queue Management

When playing multiple audio files from an album or collection:
  • Files play in sequence automatically
  • Skip to the next or previous track
  • View the upcoming queue
  • Reorder or remove tracks from the queue

Media Controls Integration

Kafka integrates with your device’s media controls:
  • Notification Panel - Control playback from quick settings
  • Lock Screen - View artwork and control playback when locked
  • Bluetooth Controls - Use car stereo or headphone buttons
  • Android Auto - Access your audiobooks while driving
Media control availability depends on your device and Android version.

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