Starting Playback
Find Audio Content
Browse or search for audiobooks and audio content. Audio items are marked with an audio media type indicator.
Select Audio File
Tap the primary action button (usually labeled “Listen” or “Play”) or tap the download icon to view available audio files.
Choose Format
From the files list, select your preferred audio format (MP3, OGG, etc.). Files are organized by format and quality.
Audio Player Controls
When an audio file is playing, you have access to full playback controls:Basic Controls
- Play/Pause: Tap the play/pause button to control playback
- Skip Forward/Back: Jump forward or backward in the audio
- Seek: Drag the progress slider to move to any point in the audio
- Progress Display: View current position and total duration
Playback Options
- Playback Speed: Adjust the speed from 0.5x to 2.0x for faster or slower listening
- Volume Control: Use your device’s volume buttons or the in-app volume control
- Sleep Timer: Set a timer to automatically stop playback after a specified duration
Background Playback
Kafka supports background audio playback:- Audio continues playing when you switch apps
- Control playback from your device’s lock screen
- Use system media controls (notification shade, lock screen, headphone buttons)
- View playback information in the notification bar
Background playback requires appropriate permissions. Grant audio playback permissions when prompted.
Resume Playback
Kafka automatically saves your listening position:Automatic Progress Saving
Your progress is automatically saved as you listen. No manual action needed.
Access from Homepage
Items you’ve started listening to appear in the “Continue Reading” section on the homepage.
Resume from Item Details
When you return to an item’s details page, the primary action button changes to “Resume” or “Continue”.
Managing Audio Playback
Multiple Audio Files
Many audiobooks are split into multiple files or chapters:- Access the files list from the item details page
- Filter by audio format using the extension filter at the top
- Files are numbered and organized sequentially
- Tap any file to switch to that chapter or part
Streaming vs. Downloads
You can listen to audiobooks in two ways: Streaming (Online playback)- Plays directly from the Internet Archive
- Requires active internet connection
- No storage space needed
- Immediate playback
- Download files for offline listening
- No internet required after download
- Better audio quality and reliability
- Uses device storage
Playback Features
Auto-Resume Albums
For multi-file audiobooks, Kafka can automatically resume the entire album:- Progress is tracked across all files in an audiobook
- When you finish one file, the next file can start automatically
- Return to the album to see your overall progress
Progress Tracking
Your listening progress is indicated by:- Progress bar on the “Continue Reading” cards
- Current time and total duration in the player
- Visual progress indicator in the audio player interface
- Percentage complete on item cards
Audio Quality
The files list shows different quality options when available:- Original: Highest quality, larger file size
- High Quality: Good balance of quality and size
- Standard: Smaller file size, suitable for streaming
Higher quality files provide better audio fidelity but require more bandwidth for streaming and more storage for downloads.
Troubleshooting Audio Playback
Audio Won’t Play
- Check your internet connection for streaming
- Try a different audio format from the files list
- Ensure audio permissions are granted
- Restart the app if playback is stuck
Choppy or Stuttering Playback
- Download the file for offline playback
- Try a lower quality audio file
- Close other apps to free up device resources
- Check your internet connection speed
Progress Not Saving
- Ensure you’re signed in (even anonymously)
- Check that storage permissions are granted
- Progress saves automatically every few seconds while playing
Audio Player Tips
- Use playback speed controls to listen faster and save time
- Enable sleep timer for bedtime listening
- Download large audiobooks on WiFi to save mobile data
- Use the files list to jump directly to specific chapters
- Long-press items in “Continue Reading” to remove completed audiobooks