Google has recently introduced a new feature called “Listen to this page” on its Android Chrome browser, which allows users to have webpages read out loud to them. This feature comes with playback controls that resemble those found in music or podcast players, giving users the ability to pause, change reading speed, scrub forward, or skip ahead or back by 10-second intervals.
One of the key aspects of this new feature is the ability to customize the voice used for reading the webpage, as well as the language in which the content is read. Google has included support for several languages including English, French, German, Arabic, Hindi, and Spanish. Users can easily switch between languages and voices to suit their preferences.
To use the “Listen to this page” option, users simply need to navigate to a webpage with substantial text and tap on the three dots menu. From there, they can select the “Listen to this page” option, which will then start reading the content out loud. Additionally, users can utilize Google Assistant to read webpages aloud, with the added functionality of translating the content into different languages.
While Google’s new feature is specific to the Chrome browser on Android devices, Safari for the iPhone also offers a similar function called “Listen to Page.” This feature reads webpages aloud using Siri’s voice and includes many of the same playback controls as Google’s offering. However, the key distinction is that Safari’s feature redirects users to the Google app, whereas Google’s new option keeps users within the browser itself.
It is worth noting that the “Listen to this page” feature has been observed primarily in the beta version of Chrome, indicating that Google is gradually implementing the rollout across its user base. This phased approach is common for Google, as it allows for testing and refinement of the feature before broader implementation.
Google’s introduction of the “Listen to this page” feature represents a significant step in improving accessibility and user experience for browsing the web. With customizable voice and language options, as well as seamless integration within the Chrome browser, this feature has the potential to enhance the way users consume online content.
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