In a new move aimed at making digital content more accessible, Google has begun testing an innovative feature in the Chrome browser on Android that allows users to listen to web pages as if they were podcast episodes—without the need for any external extensions or apps.
A New Browsing Experience
The feature, called “Listen to this page,” appears in the browser’s settings menu (the three-dot menu) when visiting a website. Once activated, Chrome begins reading the page's content aloud using artificial intelligence, with customizable listening options to suit user preferences.
Multiple Control Options for a Better Experience
This feature provides a range of advanced controls, including:
- Play/pause functionality, as well as rewind and fast-forward.
- Adjustable reading speed.
- A selection of digital voice options.
The ability to highlight text while reading and enable auto-scrolling to sync the text display with the audio.
Notably, the feature supports multiple languages, including French and English, and offers familiar voices used in Google Assistant and Google Maps.
Toward a More Inclusive Experience
This feature is expected to revolutionize how users interact with digital content, particularly:
- Users with reading difficulties.
- People who prefer listening while commuting or multitasking.
- Anyone looking for a more flexible way to consume online information.
Gradual Rollout
Currently, the feature is being rolled out gradually to users with the latest version of Chrome on Android. It appears only on websites that are technically compatible with the functionality—typically well-structured news sites and blogs.
In Conclusion
With the launch of “Listen to this page,” Google continues to enhance digital accessibility and create a more interactive and inclusive browsing experience. It’s a significant step toward integrating AI-powered audio into the way we consume web content—making the internet more accessible for all user types.
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