Google is enhancing the browsing experience with the introduction of a new feature called “Listen to this page” in the Android Chrome browser. This innovative option allows users to have webpages read aloud directly from the browser, providing greater accessibility and convenience.
The “Listen to this page” feature comes equipped with playback controls similar to those found in music or podcast players. Users can pause, change the reading speed, scrub forward, or skip ahead or back by 10 seconds at a time, making it easy to navigate through the content being read aloud.
Voice and language options
Google has made the feature highly customizable by allowing users to change their voice and select the language for the reading. According to a Google help page, the feature supports several languages: English, French, German, Arabic, Hindi, and Spanish. This ensures that users from different linguistic backgrounds can benefit from the feature.
To check if the feature is available on your device, simply navigate to a webpage with a substantial amount of text, tap the three dots menu, and look for “Listen to this page” just below the Translate option. This seamless integration keeps users within the Chrome browser, enhancing the overall user experience.
Comparison with Google Assistant
While Google Assistant can also read webpages aloud and translate them into other languages, this option directs users out of Chrome and into the Google app. In contrast, the “Listen to this page” feature keeps the user within the Chrome browser, providing a more streamlined experience.
Currently, the feature has been spotted by some users, including those using the beta version of Chrome. This phased rollout approach is typical for Google, allowing them to test and refine the feature before a broader release. The feature is visible in version 125 of the Android Chrome app.
Cross-platform comparisons
Google is not the only company offering this type of functionality. Safari for iPhone has a similar feature called “Listen to Page”, which reads webpages aloud in Siri’s voice and includes many of the same controls as Google’s new option. Additionally, Google has been testing this feature for Chrome on desktops, indicating a potential future expansion beyond mobile devices.
The “Listen to this page” feature represents a significant step forward in enhancing accessibility and user convenience within the Android Chrome browser. By offering customizable playback controls, multiple language options, and seamless integration within the browser, Google continues to improve the browsing experience for users worldwide. As the feature rolls out more broadly, it is set to become an invaluable tool for those who prefer or require auditory content consumption.
