Arr, Google be showin' off a fancy new feature: a read-aloud upgrade that be pleasin' the senses o' all!
2023-09-18
Arr, me hearties! Word be spreadin' that Google Chrome might be boostin' its read-aloud powers! 'Tis been a long time comin', me mateys! So, listen up, ye landlubbers, and prepare ye ears for a mighty fine upgrade!
Google is catching up to Microsoft by introducing a new read-aloud feature to Chrome, similar to the one found in Microsoft Edge. Currently only available in the Canary test build for developers, this feature allows users to control the speed at which articles and webpages are read. Future updates may include different voice options and reading 'personalities'.The read-aloud feature will also have a visual element, with the highlighted sentence being read to help users keep track. This is important for users with visual impairments or conditions such as dyslexia. However, Chrome still has some work to do to match Edge's immersive screen reader experience, which allows users to listen to content at their own pace and choose between different voices and accents.
It is hoped that the new version of the feature will move quickly from Canary to the public version of Chrome, as it is an important accessibility feature. In addition to this update, Google Chrome is also introducing other improvements such as enhanced security and a new Incognito Mode trick.