Google has recently launched a new improvement for the Chrome browser on Android that enhances the browsing experience and makes it easier for users with special needs, as users can now listen to web pages while performing other tasks, thanks to a new upgrade to the “Listen to this Page” feature.
According to users, version 130 of the Google Chrome browser now supports running the “Listen to this Page” feature in the background for Android users.
The audio playback feature in the background first appeared in June after a quiet release as a hidden experiment. Previously, the Chrome browser on Android only read web pages out loud when the app was opened.
Users can switch between pages, but if they leave the browser or close the screen, the audio stops.
The latest update addresses this issue permanently, as the browser will continue to play the audio even when the screen is closed or when switching to another app.
When activating this feature, the web page will appear in the media player tool in the notifications panel with easy playback or pause options, as well as buttons for forwarding or rewinding for 10 seconds.
In addition, the media player tool in notifications will display the article title and website, and if users wish to adjust the playback speed or change the volume, they will need to access the player tool within Chrome itself.
There are many other options, such as setting Chrome to highlight text while reading and automatically scrolling the content, making it easier to follow.
The “Listen to this Page” feature relies on text-to-speech technology to read articles and web pages out loud within the Google Chrome browser. When activated, a small player appears at the bottom of the screen for quick access.
The feature can be easily accessed through the main menu by choosing “Listen to this Page”. A quick shortcut can also be added next to the address bar through toolbar shortcut settings.
