Google Chrome for Android Introduces Feature-Packed 'Listen to this Page' Tool

The widely-used accessibility-driven text-to-speech feature, found in various corners of technology, is set to become a part of Google Chrome for Android soon. While Google Assistant already allows users to have their Android phone read aloud stories, this feature has faced diminishing usefulness over time. In contrast, the Reading Mode app by Google, designed for individuals with low vision, blindness, and dyslexia, has proven to be a superior alternative for reading assistance. Google is now integrating a version of this tool directly into Chrome, potentially simplifying the process of listening to content on the web.

As reported by 9to5Google, Chrome 120 introduces a flag (chrome://flags#read-aloud) that can be enabled on Android. However, to use the feature, you need Chrome 121, which has recently transitioned to the stable branch in early release but is predominantly available as a beta. With Chrome 121 and the flag enabled on Android, users can experience a seamless feature.

Upon selecting the "Listen to this page" option in the overflow menu, a streamlined bottom bar module appears, displaying the page title, website, and a pause/play button with a timeline. Tapping this module expands it to about 40% of the screen, providing additional information and buttons. It includes the estimated reading time for the article, skip buttons for 10-second intervals, an overflow button for highlighting text, automatic scrolling, and voice change options. Additionally, users can adjust the playback speed to various settings (0.5x, 0.8x, 1x, 1.2x, 1.5x, 2x, 3x, and 4x). Playback continues if the phone is locked with Chrome open or when browsing other tabs but stops when using another app or closing Chrome.

Source: 9to5Google

The "Listen to this page" tool can be found in the overflow menu, addressing concerns about the growing clutter in Chrome's menu. The integration of this accessibility feature directly into Chrome is a positive move, offering more easily-accessible options. However, similar to the previous Google Assistant-based Read Aloud feature, limitations like the inability to listen to pages while using other apps remain a drawback. While Chrome is a widely-used default web browser on Android, Mozilla Firefox is considered by some as the best experience. Notably, Mozilla recently introduced third-party extension support on Android. While Chrome's addition of its own "read aloud" feature may not significantly sway user preferences, it serves as a valuable addition to the already commendable user experience

proxy browser

chrome browser download

update chrome android

tor browser android

ad blocker chrome android

chrome android adblock

define secularism

change default browser android

adblock for chrome android

set default browser android

chrome for android

chrome android

google chrome android