Google Docs has learnt to 'read aloud': new Gemini feature turns documents into audio

Google continues to actively introduce artificial intelligence into its services. This time the novelty concerns Google Docs: users can now not only write and edit texts, but also listen to them in audio format.

Here's What We Know

The feature is powered by Gemini AI, which generates an audio version of the document. The user can choose the voice, and also adjust the playback speed - from calm and measured to more dynamic.

Importantly, listening is not only available to the author of the document. Anyone who has accessed the file can enable audio via the menu "Tools → Audio → Listen to this tab". Moreover, the author can insert a special "Audio" button in the text, and then any reader will be able to switch on the audio immediately.

Thus, the documents turn into a kind of mini-audiobooks or podcasts, which is especially convenient for students, employees of companies or people who prefer to perceive information by ear.

So far, the novelty has limitations: only English language and only desktop versions of Google Docs are supported. However, experts are confident that over time Google will expand the functionality and add support for other languages and platforms.

The feature is available to Google Workspace users with business, corporate and education plans, as well as AI Pro and Ultra subscribers. This is another step by the company in integrating AI into everyday work and study tools, making Docs a more versatile service for different perception formats.

Source: Google