Unlock the Future of Reading: Chrome’s Revolutionary Mute Tab for Android Users
Unlock the Power of Chrome for Android with Background Playback
TL;DR
- Google is enhancing Chrome’s "Listen to this page" feature with background playback support, allowing you to read aloud webpages even when you turn off your phone’s screen or switch to a different app.
- This feature was first spotted in June, hidden behind an experimental flag, and is now rolling out to Android users with Chrome 130.
Background Playback: A Game-Changer for Accessibility
In June, Google introduced a helpful accessibility feature in Chrome for Android that lets users listen to a webpage with a full-fledged widget and various voice options. However, it initially lacked background playback support, causing the audio to stop when you turned off your phone’s screen or switched to a different app.
The Breakthrough: Background Playback Support
The background playback support for Chrome’s "Listen to this page" feature is now rolling out to Android users with Chrome 130. Once you receive the update, the media player in notifications will continue to play even if you turn off your phone’s screen or switch to a different app. The playback widget in Chrome will also remain accessible to change playback speed or voice.
Getting Started with Background Playback
To use background playback, navigate to Chrome’s three-dot menu and look for the "Listen to this page" option. You can also add a shortcut next to the address bar by navigating to the Toolbar shortcut option in Chrome settings and selecting the "Listen to this page" option.
Share Your Tips and Thoughts!
Got a tip or feedback about this new feature? We’d love to hear from you! Email our staff at [email protected] or share your thoughts in the comments below. Stay anonymous or get credit for your input – it’s up to you!
