Although Chrome on Android has long been able to read out webpages word-for-word, a new update now allows you to convert them into short podcasts. Read by two virtual hosts, the Google Gemini-powered AI feature summarizes and discusses content in a lively manner that can make information easier to process.
It doesn't work for all websites — if the feature isn't available, you'll hear the standard word-for-word readback instead. When it does work, however, the results are impressive. The conversation feels lively and sounds natural, making it a feature you'll likely want to activate often. Here's how it's done.
1. Find a website
Ensure Google Chrome is updated in the Play Store (the podcast features works with version 140.0.7339.124 or newer) then open Chrome and browse to a webpage with text that you’d like to hear read out to you.
2. Select More
Next, tap the More icon which you will find in the top-right of the screen.
3. Tap Listen to this page
Simply select Listen to this page. Chrome will display a "Generating AI playback" message at the bottom of the screen. It only takes a short amount of time.
4. Listen to the podcast
You will hear a couple of voices discussing the content of the page. You can tap the panel and use the controls to pause, rewind or fast-forward through the content.
5. Change to a standard playback
The podcast will continue even if you leave the website. If you would prefer the page to be read word-for-work, just tap the AI playback icon in the bottom-left of the screen and it will switch to Standard Playback.
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