Google Chromebook gets a new accessibility feature: Here is how to use it | Laptops-pc News

Google Chromebook gets a new accessibility feature: Here is how to use it

The feature that Google has introduced in its Chrome OS-powered Chromebook laptops is called enhanced voices for select-to-speech.

By: HT TECH
| Updated on: Aug 21 2022, 21:00 IST
Natural voices are currently available in various accents in 25 languages with more to come.
Natural voices are currently available in various accents in 25 languages with more to come. (Google)
Natural voices are currently available in various accents in 25 languages with more to come.
Natural voices are currently available in various accents in 25 languages with more to come. (Google)

Google has rolled out a new feature on its Chromebook laptops. This new feature is aimed at increasing accessibility and making it easier for users to work productively and efficiently wherever they are. This feature also gives users the flexibility to work in a way that is best suited to their needs.

Enhanced voices for Select-to-Speech

The feature that Google has introduced in its Chrome OS-powered Chromebook laptops is called enhanced voices for select-to-speech.

Google said that people spend a lot of time reading on their laptops. But reading on a screen can be less than ideal for many, including people with dyslexia, low vision, those learning a new language or people who have a hard time focusing on the busy text. Chrome OS' Select-to-speak feature lets users hear the selected text on their screens spoken out loud. Earlier this year, Google added new features like controls to speed up, slow down or pause the reading voice, and to easily jump to different parts of the text.

Today, Google announced new and more human-sounding voices for its Select-to-Speak functionality. This change will enable spoken text to be more fluid and easier to understand. Natural voices are currently available in various accents in 25 languages with more to come.

Here is how you can use Select-to-Speech feature in Chromebooks:

Step 1: Press Alt + Shift + s

Step 2: Now select Settings

Step 3: At the bottom, select Advanced.

Step 4: In the "Accessibility" section, select Manage accessibility features

Step 5: Under "Text-to-Speech," turn on Enable ChromeVox.

Apart from this Google said that it launched an online training program in conjunction with The Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) for assistive tech trainers, educators and users with a disability who want to learn more about Chromebook's accessibility features this summer. “This eight-module course covers Chromebook and Google Workspace accessibility features. After completing the free course and final exam, you'll receive a digital badge as a Chromebook Accessibility expert,” Google announced.

Additionally, the company said that it has also released updates to the screen magnifier, like keyboard panning and shortcuts. The company has developed new in-product tutorials for ChromeVox, and introduced point scanning to make the selection process for switch users more efficient.

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First Published Date: 15 Oct, 14:07 IST
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