Google Chrome has added an accessibility tool, which can become a great ally for all parents. The browser will now be able to read texts aloud from any web page, so it is possible to use it as a way to read children’s stories to children before going to sleep.
This feature is initially designed for Android devicesgiving the option to configure the reading pace and the voice that we will hear according to the selected text.
This tool, called “Listen to this page”, It has been developed thinking about those people who have difficulties reading text on the screenas well as those users who prefer to listen to the content while performing other tasks.
With a simple tap on the menu button (⋮) located in the top bar of the browser and selecting “Listen to this page”, Chrome starts reading the content of the web page aloud. This option will appear between “Translate” and “Add to Home Screen” in the drop-down menu.
One of the highlights of this new feature is its level of customization. Users can choose from several available English voices, including US, UK, Indian and Australian options. Some of the featured voices are:
- Ruby: Medium, warm tone
- River: Medium tone, calm
- field: Low tone, bright
- moss: Low, peaceful tone
In addition to voice selection, users can also adjust the reading speed according to their preferences. Options range from a slower reading (0.5x and 0.8x) to a faster reading (1.5x, 2x, 3x and 4x).
This allows the narration to be adapted to the specific needs of each user, whether to keep up with a relaxing bedtime story or to quickly absorb information throughout the day.
The mini-player at the bottom of the page offers a full set of controls. Users can see how long the narration will last, move to any point in the text, go back or forward ten seconds, and pause or resume reading. Besides, Tapping the mini-player accesses additional options such as text highlighting and auto-scrolling while reading.
One of the common concerns among users using text-to-speech features is the possibility of interruptions. Google has addressed this problem, allowing reading to continue even if the mobile device screen is turned off, as long as Chrome is in the foreground.
However, playback stops if the browser is closed or returned to the home screen, although reopening Chrome will resume narration from where it left off.
To facilitate quick access to this feature, Google has allowed users to set “Listen to this page” as a shortcut in the toolbar next to the Omnibox. For it, Just go to Settings > Advanced > Shortcut in the toolbar and select it as the preferred option. It is also available in Chrome Custom Tabs, further expanding its usability.
The “Listen to this page” feature is gradually rolling out through a server update with Chrome version 125. Those users who do not yet have access can enable it through the address: chrome://flags/#read-aloud.
The “Listen to this page” feature not only improves accessibility, but also offers a practical solution for everyday situations. For example, It can be especially useful for parents who want to read bedtime stories to their children but are busy with other tasks. Now, parents can select a story online and let Google Chrome read it aloud.
Additionally, this tool can be used by people who prefer to listen to news articles or educational content while driving, cooking, or doing other activities that require their visual attention. In this way, time is used more efficiently, without sacrificing access to information.
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