Google is working on a new AI-based feature for its Chrome browser for Android. According to the latest details, the popular browser will allow users to convert web pages from text to voice. This means that the text on the page will be read aloud.
“Listen to this page” feature coming for Google Chrome
Google is preparing to roll out a “Listen to this page” feature for Chrome. The support, which has been in development for several months in the Chrome for Android app, will use text-to-speech (TTS) technology. This means that pages will become audible.
According to screenshots, a “Listen to this page” option will appear in the Chrome menu between “Translate” and “Add to home screen”. Selecting this option will open a mini-player with playback controls at the bottom of the screen.
Users will see a number of playback controls in the mini player, including a scroll bar, forward/rewind and playback speed from 0.5x to 4x speed. Sounds can also be changed through this menu. A variety of English accents will be available from the US, UK, India and Australia.
Voices will also be divided by character. Some voice options will be calmer, while some robot speech will speak faster. The player will also remain visible even when opening other tabs. This means that playback will continue in the background.
However, closing Chrome completely pauses the playback. The “Listen to this page” option will also be available as a toolbar shortcut.
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