Google Assistant: Android phones can read and translate web articles

The Google Assistant can now read the content of websites. On request, the articles can even be translated live into the desired language.Reading time:1 min.Save in pocketRead outPrintviewRead comments6posts

Google has expanded its assistant on Android devices with a reading function. The assistant now reads the content of the web pages at a voice command. The browser scrolls with what has been read and marks the words that are being read. In contrast to other reading functions, Google promises natural speech.

This is what it looks like when the Google Assistant reads a web article.  The word just read is highlighted, the browser page scrolls according to the reading speed.
This is what it looks like when the Google Assistant reads a web article. The word just read is highlighted, the browser page scrolls according to the reading speed. (Image: heise online)

In a blog entry about the announcement, Google writes that the assistant’s reading function works in “browsers”. In the test from heise online, the new feature worked as expected in the Chrome browser, but Firefox did not master reading aloud. The function probably only works in Chromium browsers.

To start reading, activate the Google Assistant and wear “Read it!” on. German voice commands have not yet worked in the heise online test. Once the Google Assistant reads aloud, you can minimize the browser window – the reading continues via a widget in the notification bar and can be paused if desired.

The assistant can even translate and read foreign language articles live into the desired language. 42 languages ​​are currently available in the settings. You can also set the voice that should speak the text. In English there are four speakers to choose from, so far in German there is only the standard voice.ALSO READLive translator: Google Home becomes an interpreter

The reading function of the Google Assistant also includes an option for the speed of the speech. You can adjust the reading speed between 0.5 and 1.5 as desired. As with other media content, there are also two buttons with which you can quickly jump forward or backward. A timeline is also shown.

Basically, the reading function of the Google Assistant works on all websites without additional settings. However, webmasters can deactivate them manually if desired , Google writes in a blog entry . ( there )

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *