Google’s Chrome for Android is stepping up its game once again, this time adding background playback to the “Listen to this page” feature. In case you missed it, Google only officially launched this nifty text-to-speech capability last month as part of its fall Android update, and now it’s about to make your multitasking dreams come true.
Initially, “Listen to this page” would rudely stop talking the moment you dared to close the app. The only workaround was keeping Chrome front and center or at least locking your device while it was still up on the screen. But thanks to Chrome 130, you can now let that robotic narrator keep talking to you even if you jump into another app to reply to a text or scroll through Instagram.
With this update, Chrome adds a handy media player right in your notifications. It shows you what article you’re listening to, with all the goodies like a scrubber timeline and 10-second rewind/skip buttons, so you’re always in control. It’s pretty much on par with Google’s standalone Reading Mode app, but without the clutter of a full-on reader view.
What’s even cooler? Chrome’s text-to-speech lets you play around with playback speeds, anywhere from a leisurely 0.5x to a lightning-fast 4x (for those who just cannot wait). You’ve also got 10 different voice options, so pick one that fits your mood. And if you’re a fan of following along, the feature offers a “Highlight text & auto scroll” option, which feels like karaoke, but for web articles.
Tired of fumbling through Chrome’s three-dot menu to find “Listen to this page”? You can now add a shortcut right next to the address bar. Just head to Chrome Settings, scroll to “Toolbar shortcut” near the bottom, and boom! You’ve got a play button at your fingertips.
So, whether you’re commuting, walking the dog, or just have your hands full, Chrome’s latest update makes sure you don’t miss a beat. The rollout is already in full swing, so keep an ear out for Chrome 130 on your Android device.
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