Google has recently introduced a new feature to its Chrome browser for Android devices that enables users to have web page content read aloud. This feature includes controls that allow users to pause, rewind, or advance the text while it is being read, as well as adjust playback speed and change voice type. The move by the American technology company is part of its ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility in its services and provide users with a better browsing experience.
The new ‘Listen to this page’ feature in Chrome for Android devices allows users to access web page content in a read-aloud mode. Users can play, pause, rewind or fast forward through the text, choose different voice types, activate text highlighting and enable auto-scrolling for continuous reading. This feature supports content in twelve languages including Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German and more.
Users can select from different voice options like ‘Ruby’ with medium and warm tone or ‘Moss’ with low and peaceful tone. Once activated a player will appear at the bottom of the page with progress bar, play and pause buttons close button and options to move forward or back ten seconds. The player displays the page name and website name while also allowing users to increase the reading speed.
To activate the read-aloud mode simply click on ‘Listen to this page’ function in browser options menu. Google has mentioned that users can continue browsing current website or switch to other tabs while listening to the text. This feature is now available on Chrome 125 version for Android devices making web browsing more accessible and convenient for users.
