Google is enhancing the user experience of its Chrome browser for Android with a significant update to the “Listen to this page” feature. Initially introduced earlier this year, this accessibility tool allowed users to have web pages read aloud to them, complete with a dedicated widget for playback controls and a variety of voice options. However, one notable limitation was its lack of background playback support, which has now been addressed in the latest update.
Background Playback Support
The much-anticipated background playback support for the “Listen to this page” feature was first discovered shortly after its initial rollout in June, albeit hidden behind an experimental flag. According to reports from 9to5Google, this functionality is now being made available to Android users with the release of Chrome version 130.
With this update, users can enjoy uninterrupted audio playback even when their phone’s screen is turned off or when they switch to another application. The media player will appear in the notifications area, providing basic controls along with the article’s headline and website information. For more advanced options, such as adjusting playback speed or selecting different voices, users will still need to utilize the playback widget within the Chrome app.
To access the “Listen to this page” feature, users can navigate through Chrome’s three-dot menu. For those who frequently utilize this feature, a convenient shortcut can be added next to the address bar by going into the Toolbar shortcut option in Chrome settings and selecting “Listen to this page.”
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