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.