This helpful feature offers an accessible option for users who want to review documents on the go or prefer to listen rather than read.
Google Docs has a useful feature that lets you listen to Docs using Gemini.
This tool provides clear, natural-sounding voices to read documents aloud and can improve the accessibility of documents allowing both readers and authors to engage with content in a new way.
Important Caveat: Subscription Requirement
The "Listen to Docs" feature requires an eligible subscription. This is only available to Gemini Premium licensed users and is not available to all users. If a user does not have the necessary license, they will receive a message when they try to use the listen button.
Key Features
The new audio feature in Google Docs offers different capabilities for both authors and readers. Users can customize their experience by choosing from a variety of voices and adjusting the playback speed.
For Readers: To listen to the current document, readers can use the "Listen to this tab" option found under the Tools > Audio menu.
For Authors: Authors can embed a play button directly into a document, making it easier for readers to access the audio version with a single click. These buttons can be found in the Insert > Audio buttons menu Authors can also change the button's label, color, and size.
Why Use It?
There are several benefits to using the audio feature in Google Docs:
- Improved Comprehension: Listening to content aloud can help you absorb information more effectively while reading.
- Proofreading: The audio version can help you catch errors in your writing that you might otherwise miss.
- Enhanced Accessibility: This feature helps make documents more accessible to a wider audience. Leveraging multiple means of communicating information aligns with the Universal Design for Learning principle of multiple means of representing information, and helps support all learners.
The "listen to docs" feature, powered by Gemini, marks a significant step forward in making Google Docs a more accessible and versatile tool. By offering a clear, natural-sounding audio version of documents, it not only assists with proofreading and comprehension but also provides a vital option for users who prefer to listen to content. As this feature rolls out, it will provide end users with new ways to interact with and create documents, enhancing the overall utility of Google Docs for both students and staff.
To experience this new feature, you can visit our Social Media Accessibility Toolkit document, where we have embedded a "Listen to tab" button at the top of the page. This allows you to easily access the audio version of the document with a single click. To read more about the “listen to Docs” feature visit the “Listen to your documents using Gemini in Google Docs” Google Workspace update page.
Additional Resources
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