According to a report by Android Police, Google is currently testing a text-to-speech feature for Chrome’s reading mode on desktop. This experimental feature aims to provide users with the ability to listen to articles while working within the Chrome browser.
The feature is said to be available in Chrome Canary, Google’s cutting-edge version of Chrome, as mentioned by Leopeva64, a Twitter user. If the feature is enabled, users can simply click a play button at the top of an article in reading mode to have Google read the text aloud. Leopeva64 also shared a video on Reddit demonstrating the feature in action.
However, based on the video, it appears that Google still has some improvements to make. The voice used in the demonstration sounds robotic, and it spells out a header that says “summary” instead of simply reading the word. Although further impressions of the feature are unavailable since it was not found in the version of Canary downloaded from Google’s website, it is worth mentioning that Chrome’s reading mode is a hidden feature that needs to be enabled. It is also noteworthy that Microsoft’s Edge browser already offers a robust text-to-speech feature called Immersive Reader for websites.
Nevertheless, if Google eventually releases this text-to-speech feature to a wider audience, it could be a valuable option for Chrome users who prefer to consume information through audio. However, it is crucial for the company to improve the voice quality to ensure a more natural and human-like experience.
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Providing users with the ability to have articles read aloud can be beneficial in scenarios where users may have visual impairments, prefer audio-based learning, or simply want to multitask by listening to articles while working on other tasks. By integrating this feature into Chrome, Google aims to enhance the browsing experience and cater to diverse user needs.
Additionally, a text-to-speech feature can be advantageous for individuals who prefer to consume content in languages they are not proficient in or have difficulty reading. Listening to articles can help them overcome language barriers and ensure they have access to information regardless of their reading abilities.
While Google may be a bit late to the game compared to Microsoft’s Edge browser, which already offers a robust text-to-speech feature, it is encouraging to see Google exploring ways to enhance their browser’s functionality. This feature aligns with Google’s commitment to make information accessible to all users, regardless of their individual preferences or abilities.
In conclusion, Google is currently experimenting with a text-to-speech feature for Chrome’s reading mode on desktop. Although the feature is still in the testing phase and requires improvements, its potential benefits for users are significant. Whether it’s for individuals with visual impairments, audio-based learners, or those looking for a convenient way to multitask, this feature could become a valuable addition to the Chrome browsing experience. With further refinements, it is hoped that Google can deliver a more natural-sounding voice, making the audio experience more enjoyable for users.
