If you’re a podcast enthusiast, there’s exciting news from Google! The tech giant has introduced a new AI podcast feature in Chrome for Android, replacing the previous robotic text-to-speech functionality. This innovative addition enhances the way users engage with content by transforming web pages into conversational audio experiences. Let’s explore how this feature operates and how you can tap into its potential on your mobile device.
Unveiling AI Podcasts in Chrome for Android
Utilizing technology derived from NotebookLM, Google’s AI podcast feature in Chrome for Android features two distinct AI voices engaging in lively discussions about web content. The process starts with a summary of the webpage, followed by a dynamic dialogue between one male and one female AI voice, each adopting a casual and conversational style.
During our exploration, we observed that the voices alternate between delivering summarized content sequentially or engaging in a Q&A format, where one voice poses questions and the other provides answers based on the summarized information. This consistent pattern was evident across various posts from multiple websites. Given the adaptability of NotebookLM, there’s potential for these AI voices to accommodate different podcasting styles, such as having one voice take the lead while the other adds brief commentary.
The tonal quality of the voices is also responsive to the nature of the content being presented. For instance, serious news topics are articulated in a somber tone, while updates on app features might feature a more inquisitive delivery. It is important to note that this functionality is limited to websites with clear, structured text, similar to the previous read-aloud feature, and it will not be effective on shopping sites or other visual-heavy pages.
How to Access and Use AI Podcasts in Chrome
This AI podcast feature is rolling out gradually in Chrome for Android, depending on your region and device, so you may not have access just yet. To check for availability, ensure you’re running the latest version of Chrome. Navigate to Settings → About Chrome, and verify that your Application version is at least 140.0.7339.124 or newer.
Once confirmed, view a post, tap on the main menu, and select Listen to this page. The Chrome browser will take a moment to generate the AI podcast, and you’ll begin listening with a playback bar conveniently located at the bottom of the screen.
By tapping on the playback controls, you can access various features that allow you to rewind or fast-forward by 10 seconds, adjust the playback speed, and switch back to the former read-aloud function. Notably, the playback will continue even while you navigate to other tabs, minimize Chrome, or turn off your device’s screen.
Based on our testing, the duration of the audio summaries typically ranges from 2 to 3 minutes, irrespective of the length of the original content. This feature appears to keep duration within a manageable limit, ensuring a quick and efficient listening experience. You can refresh the webpage and select Listen to this page again to alter the conversation style and script for varied listening experiences.
Create a Toolbar Shortcut for Quick Access
While the main menu is the default way to utilize this feature, you can enhance your experience by adding a convenient toolbar shortcut. For frequent users of the AI podcasts, having a one-tap play button in your toolbar is far more efficient than navigating through the menu each time.
To set up this shortcut, go to Chrome Settings → Toolbar shortcut and select the Listen to this page option. You will then see a play button on the toolbar whenever you visit a compatible webpage. Keep in mind that the button may take a moment to appear when accessing new pages.
In conclusion, this new feature presents an exciting way to consume news from your favorite sites, moving away from the monotonous robotic text-to-speech format. The engaging scripts and dynamic conversation styles foster a richer auditory experience, making it easier to enjoy similar stories from diverse sources. For podcast lovers, supplementary Android podcast apps could also enhance your listening journey.
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