Google Docs Adds Gemini-Powered Audio Playback Feature.

Google is rolling out a new feature for Google Docs, powered by its Gemini AI, that allows users to generate and listen to audio versions of their documents. This update transforms how users interact with their content, offering a new dimension for accessibility, comprehension, and error checking.

This feature enables users to consume documents audibly, which is beneficial for busy individuals, students, and anyone who prefers to listen to information.

How to Use the New Audio Feature in Google Docs:

Google has made the process straightforward, with options for both individual listening and embedding audio for collaboration.

For Listening to the Current Document:

1. Open your Google Doc: Ensure your document contains content.
2. Access the Audio Feature: At the top of your screen, click Tools > Audio > Listen to this tab. An alternative is finding a "Listen to this tab" icon directly in your toolbar.
3. Control Playback: A pill-shaped audio player will appear. This floating window can be moved anywhere on your screen. The player includes controls for:
• Play/Pause: Start or stop the audio.
• Scrubber: Navigate to different parts of the document.
• Playback Speed: Adjust the reading speed (e.g., 0.5x, 1x, 1.5x, 2x).
• Change Voice: Select from various natural-sounding voices, such as Narrator, Educator, Teacher, Persuader, Explainer, Coach, and Motivator.

Credit: Google

For Adding an Audio Button to Your Document:

To allow others to easily listen to your document, you can embed an audio button directly:

1. Open your Google Doc.
2. Insert Audio Button: Go to Insert > Audio buttons > Listen to tab.
3. Customize the Button: The inserted button can be customized in terms of label, color, and size to integrate with your document's design.
4. Quick Insert with @: Typing @Listen to tab directly into your document lets you insert an audio clip quickly in a selected section.

Credit: Google

This significant development follows Google's ongoing commitment to integrate AI into its Workspace suite, expanding how users create and consume content. Complementing this, Google also rolled out an image generation feature in Docs for paid users, further leveraging AI to enhance document creation directly within the platform.