18 hours ago
Google's Gemini can now talk — new audio tool reads your Docs out loud with ease
Google Docs audio feature
:
Google Docs is getting a voice literally as beginning this week, Google is introducing a new feature that will allow its AI assistant, Gemini, to read your Google Documents aloud, as per a report.
New 'Audio' Tool Lets You Listen to Your Docs Out Loud
The new "Audio" feature is intended to assist users to absorb information more easily, catch writing errors, or simply listen to their work instead of reading it, as per a 9to5google report.
This functionality is currently offered on Google Docs' web version to some Google Workspace users, according to the report.
To use the new feature, navigate to the Tools menu for the 'Audio' option in-between Voice typing and Gemini, as per the 9to5google report. The click 'Listen to this tab', which will open a pill-shaped player, with the duration noted and you can move this floating window anywhere on the screen, as reported by 9to5google.
ALSO READ:
Missed Snowflake's boom? Databricks' $100 billion AI leap could be Wall Street's next jackpot
Live Events
Choose From Seven AI Voice Styles to Match Your Content
Apart from play/pause and a scrubber, available controls include playback speed and changing the 'clear, natural-sounding voices,' so that it distinguishes from being a mere robotic reader, options include:
Narrator
Educator
Teacher
Explainer
Coach
Motivator
Persuader
Depending on the purpose you want, you can make your doc read aloud to you in a voice that's more informative, encouraging, or convincing.
ALSO READ:
Move over quiet quitting — as AI looms 'quiet cracking' is costing $438 billion and wrecking workers' health
Add Listening Buttons for Shared Documents
If you're sharing your document with others, you can also add a listening button into the document for viewers of the document, as per the report by 9to5google. This can be done following the steps: Insert menu > Audio buttons > Listen to tab and then @Listen to tab, according to the rerpot.
Google Docs Audio is convinent if you 'want to hear your content out loud, absorb information better while reading, or help catch errors in your writing,' as quoted by 9to5google.
ALSO READ:
Is Google's AI revolution a threat to website traffic for digital publishers? Here are strategies to stay ahead
Who Can Use the Google Docs Audio Feature?
The Audio feature is only available in English and only on the web version of Google Docs at present, with the rollout starting from August 18 and continuing over the next few weeks, as reported by 9to5google. The new feature is available for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, as well as:
Business Standard and Plus
Enterprise Standard and Plus
Customers with the Gemini Education or Gemini Education Premium add-on
Customers with the Gemini Business or Gemini Enterprise add-on
AI Image Generation in Google Docs for Android
Along with Audio, Google Docs for Android is also introducing the capability to create images with Gemini, but this feature is also restricted to AI Pro and Ultra users, as per the 9to5google report.
ALSO READ:
China's job crisis spurs bizarre trend: Young Chinese pay companies just to pretend they have a job — here's why
FAQs
What is the new Audio feature in Google Docs?
It lets you listen to your documents being read aloud by Gemini, Google's AI assistant.
How to use Audio feature in Google Docs?
Go to Tools > Audio, then click 'Listen to this tab.' A small audio player will appear and start reading your document.