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Google Chrome on Android Introduces Webpage Text-to-Speech Feature

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Google Chrome on Android Introduces Webpage Text-to-Speech Feature

Google has unveiled a new text-to-speech feature for Chrome on Android, allowing users to listen to webpages instead of reading them. This new functionality, named “Listen to this page,” is designed to enhance accessibility and provide a more convenient browsing experience, especially for users who are multitasking.

How to Use the “Listen to this page” Feature

To enable this feature, users need to tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the Chrome app and select “Listen to this page.” This option is located between “Translate” and “Add to Home screen.” While not all websites support this feature, it is gradually rolling out as part of Chrome 125 and should be widely available soon.

Playback Controls and Languages

The text-to-speech feature includes several podcast-like playback controls. Users can play, pause, scrub, change playback speed, and skip ahead or back by 10 seconds. The feature supports multiple languages, including English, French, German, Arabic, Hindi, and Spanish. Additionally, users can choose from various voices and accents, such as US, UK, Indian, and Australian English. The text being read aloud is highlighted, enhancing the listening experience.

Background Playback and Accessibility

Once activated, a mini-player appears with the webpage and site title, progress indicator, and playback controls. This control bar remains docked even when opening other tabs, and playback continues if the device is locked with Chrome in the foreground. However, if Chrome is closed or pushed to the background, playback stops, though it can be resumed from where it left off by reopening Chrome and tapping play.

Activation and Future Updates

Initially tested in Chrome 120 via the “chrome://flags#read-aloud” flag, the feature is now being rolled out widely through a server-side update. Users may need to wait for the page to fully load before accessing the text-to-speech option from the three-dot menu. If the feature is not visible, it can still be activated through the Chrome flag.

Additional Features

The text-to-speech functionality also includes options for text highlighting and auto-scrolling, making it easier for users to follow along. Various voice tones and pitches are available, allowing for a more personalized listening experience. The feature can be set as a toolbar shortcut for quicker access.

Google Chrome’s new “Listen to this page” feature marks a significant step towards improving web accessibility and convenience. By providing a seamless way to listen to webpage content, Google continues to enhance the user experience for its diverse audience.

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Google Pixel 9a latest leaks reveal key details about its pricing, release date, and specs.

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Google Pixel 9a latest leaks reveal key details about its pricing, release date, and specs.

Rumors about Google’s upcoming Pixel 9a are gaining momentum, with multiple leaks providing insights into its pricing, release date, and specifications. As a successor to the Pixel 8a, the Pixel 9a aims to refine Google’s mid-range offering with a combination of improved hardware, software enhancements, and aggressive pricing.

Launch Date and Availability

According to recent leaks, the Pixel 9a is set for an official launch on March 26, 2025, with pre-orders beginning a week earlier on March 19. This schedule is expected to be consistent across the United States, Europe, and the UK.

U.S. Market

Pre-orders start: March 19, 2025

General availability: March 26, 2025

 

European Market

Pre-orders start: March 19, 2025

General availability: March 26, 2025

 

This aligns with Google’s typical release window for its “a” series devices, ensuring availability across major markets within the same timeframe.

 

Pricing Details

The Pixel 9a will reportedly maintain a competitive price structure, offering two storage configurations.

U.S. Pricing

128GB model: $499 (same as Pixel 8a)

256GB model: $649 (a $40 increase over its predecessor)

 

European Pricing

128GB model: €549 / £499

256GB model: €649 / £599

 

In Europe, the 128GB version will be available in four colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, and Peony. However, the 256GB variant will be limited to Obsidian and Iris only.

 

Design and Display

Leaked renders from X user @ACE100xd show that the Pixel 9a will closely follow Google’s recent design language. The phone is rumored to feature a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals.

 

Color Options:

128GB Model: Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, Peony

256GB Model: Obsidian, Iris

 

Performance and Battery

Under the hood, the Pixel 9a is expected to inherit the Tensor G4 processor—the same chip found in the flagship Pixel 9 series. This chipset should provide notable improvements in AI-driven features, photography processing, and overall performance.

 

Key Hardware Upgrades:

Processor: Tensor G4

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)

Battery: 5,100mAh (largest ever in a Pixel “a” series phone)

Charging: 23W wired, 7.5W wireless

 

This marks a significant upgrade, particularly with the 5,100mAh battery, which should offer extended usage compared to previous models.

 

Camera System

The Pixel 9a is expected to sport a 48MP main camera, replacing the 64MP sensor from its predecessor for enhanced low-light performance and sharper images. Additionally, it will include:

-13MP ultra-wide lens

-13MP front-facing camera

 

Google’s AI-powered computational photography features, including Night Sight, Super Res Zoom, and Real Tone, are likely to be part of the package.

 

Extra Perks and Software Features

Google is reportedly bundling several free subscriptions with the Pixel 9a to attract buyers:

-6 months of Fitbit Premium

-3 months of YouTube Premium

-3 months of Google One (100GB storage)

The Pixel 9a is also expected to ship with Android 15 out of the box, along with at least five years of software updates—keeping it competitive with other mid-range smartphones.

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iQOO Neo 10R Moonknight Titanium is set to launch in India on March 11

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iQOO Neo 10R Moonknight Titanium is set to launch in India on March 11

The highly anticipated iQOO Neo 10R is set to launch in India on March 11, 2025. With over a month left before its release, iQOO is steadily unveiling key details about the device. Recently, the company introduced the Raging Blue color variant, exclusive to India. Now, new images have surfaced showcasing the Moonknight Titanium edition, which boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic.

Design and Display

The iQOO Neo 10R Moonknight Titanium flaunts a sophisticated silver-grey finish, giving it a minimalist yet premium look. The flat edges and rounded corners ensure a comfortable grip, while the rear camera module features a vertically aligned dual-lens setup with an LED flash.

The smartphone is equipped with a 6.78-inch flat AMOLED display, delivering a 1.5K resolution and an ultra-smooth 144Hz refresh rate. Gamers will benefit from the 2000Hz instant touch sampling rate, ensuring precise touch response, which is crucial for fast-paced gaming.

 

Powerful Performance with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset powers the iQOO Neo 10R, ensuring flagship-level performance for gaming and multitasking. The device supports 90fps gaming, and users can track their gameplay performance using the built-in FPS monitor in Ultra Game Mode. Paired with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, the phone promises smooth performance across demanding applications.

The Neo 10R will run Android 15 with Funtouch OS 15, offering an optimized user experience with improved UI elements, enhanced customization options, and smoother animations.

 

Camera System

The iQOO Neo 10R features a 16-megapixel front camera for high-quality selfies and video calls. On the back, it houses a 50MP main sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for crisp, stabilized shots, along with an 8MP ultra-wide camera for capturing expansive scenes. The combination of AI enhancements and hardware-based optimizations ensures users can take professional-quality photos in various lighting conditions.

 

Long-Lasting Battery with Fast Charging

Powering the Neo 10R is a 6,400mAh battery, providing all-day usage without interruptions. The device also supports 80W fast charging, allowing users to quickly recharge and stay connected.

 

Additional Features and Expected Pricing

Beyond its core specifications, the iQOO Neo 10R is packed with premium features such as an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and an IR blaster for remote control functionalities.

The smartphone is expected to be priced under ₹30,000, positioning it as a strong competitor to the Poco X7 Pro and other devices in the mid-range segment.

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Vivo V50 Officially Confirmed to Launch on February 17 in India

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Vivo V50 Officially Confirmed to Launch on February 17 in India

Vivo has officially confirmed that the Vivo V50 will be unveiled in India on February 17. Dedicated landing pages on Vivo India’s website and Flipkart have already showcased key specifications and features, giving us a clear picture of what to expect from the upcoming smartphone.

 

Vivo V50 Key Specifications and Features

The Vivo V50 sports a 6.78-inch micro-quad-curved OLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, promising a smooth and immersive viewing experience. Despite housing a massive 6,000mAh battery, the device maintains a remarkably slim 7.4mm chassis.

In terms of durability, the phone comes with an IP68/69 rating for water and dust resistance and features Diamond Shield Glass protection by Schott, enhancing its resilience against drops and scratches.

For photography enthusiasts, the 50MP front camera includes autofocus support for crisp selfies and video calls. The rear setup consists of a 50MP primary camera with OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and an Aura Light LED flash, ensuring high-quality shots in various lighting conditions.

On the software side, the Vivo V50 will run on Android 15 with Funtouch OS 15. The device will also integrate AI-powered features such as advanced image editing, real-time call translation, and audio transcription for an enhanced user experience.

Under the hood, reports suggest that the Vivo V50 will be powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset. The device may offer up to 12GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 512GB of UFS 2.2 storage, ensuring smooth performance for multitasking and storage-intensive applications. Additionally, it is expected to support 90W fast charging, reducing downtime significantly.

 

Vivo V50 Expected Price in India

The Vivo V50 will be available in three color options: Rose Red, Afterimage Black, and Titanium Grey. Pricing is expected to fall within the ₹35,000 to ₹40,000 range in India, positioning it as a strong competitor in the premium mid-range segment.

With its powerful hardware, premium design, and AI-enhanced software, the Vivo V50 is shaping up to be an exciting addition to Vivo’s smartphone lineup. More details, including official pricing and availability, will be revealed at the launch event.

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