Google Chrome's new Android feature reads web pages aloud
What's the story
Google Chrome has unveiled a new feature for Android users, called 'Listen to this page,' which allows users to listen to their favorite web pages. This feature was first spotted by 9to5Google in Google Chrome for Android version 125. It is expected to be rolled out to all stable users soon. To access this feature, users need to update their Google Chrome application to the latest version and select 'Listen to this page' from the three-dot menu.
Usage
How to use the feature
The 'Listen to this page' option is located just below the Translate option in the three-dot menu on the Chrome Android app. Once selected, playback begins in a podcast-like layout, offering options to play, pause, rewind, fast forward, or skip 10 seconds. Users can also choose from four different voices: Ruby (mid-pitch, warm), River (mid-pitch, bright), Field (low-pitch, bright), and Moss (low-pitch, peaceful).
Details
Language support and website availability
The new feature is not limited to English, as it also supports several other languages including Hindi, Bengali, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. However, it is important to note that 'Listen to this page' is not yet available on all websites. If a web page is not compatible for playback, the 'Listen to this page' option will not be visible in the overflow menu.
Improved functionality
Enhanced user experience
Previously, Android users could ask Google Assistant to read web pages aloud. However, this method would redirect users out of the Google Chrome application and offered limited customization options. The new 'Listen to this page' feature provides more flexibility with playback speed and voice selection, enhancing the overall user experience. This update is part of Google's ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and convenience for its users.