Google Docs’ AI Voice Reader enhances productivity by reading documents aloud for easier comprehension.
Seven distinct AI voice options offer personalized narration, improving engagement and retention during content review.
Accessible to AI Pro and Ultra users, it simplifies multitasking and collaborative document workflows.
Google Docs will now have a voice of its own. A new ‘Audio’ function, Google's AI assistant Gemini, will be able to read your documents aloud starting this week.
However, narration is not the only new function; according to 9to5Google, users can now hear their content loud, which allows ‘absorbing information better while reading, or help catch errors in your writing.’ This transformation can turn your Docs into a personal narrator, whether you are evaluating an essay, perusing a report, or simply too exhausted to read another page.
Nestled between Gemini and voice typing, this new option can be found in the ‘Tools’ menu. After choosing ‘Audio,’ you can click ‘Listen to this tab’ to open a modern, pill-shaped player.
The floating window, which can be moved across the screen for ease of use, displays the playback duration. You can pause, move the scrubber, and even change the playback speed for a complete, interactive experience.
Furthermore, this text-to-speech engine is more than just a flat, monotonous tool. Google now has more individuality; you get to choose from seven available AI voices, each with a somewhat distinct style: Narrator, Educator, Teacher, Explainer, Coach, Motivator, and Persuader.
Also Read: Google Workspace Outage: SSL Errors Disrupt Docs, Drive & Sheets
Personal use is not the end of the pleasure. You can incorporate a listening button directly into a shared document when working in a team setup, allowing a smoother read for every member with access.
The process is simple: select Insert > Audio buttons > Listen to tab, then enter @Listen to tab. Without having to scroll through paragraphs, collaborators can immediately play the material.
This could be useful in businesses, classrooms, or when listening may be more convenient than reading. Consider it an audio companion for your documents, for ease of access, convenience, or simply a change of scenery.
For some Workspace users, the audio capability is already available on Google Docs' web version. It will initially grant access to Google's premium AI tiers, AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.
There are many different use cases for this tool. With a logical advancement, it helps users manage diverse tasks, from editing and proofreading to multitasking while reading lengthy reports.
We already communicate with our phones, so why should our paperwork not do the same?
Open your Google Docs account: Open Google Docs in a browser and make sure you have a premium account.
OpenAI Voice Reader: Select ‘AI Voice Reader’ under the ‘Extensions’ menu.
Choose Text to Read: Drag the cursor and select the text you wish to hear.
Start Voice Playback: In the ‘AI Voice Reader’ sidebar, click on the ‘Play’ button.
Adjust Voice Settings: Adjust voice, speed, and volume to suit your listening comfort and needs.
Also Read: 10 Easy Google Docs Tricks to Boost Your Productivity
An AI-powered image generator is also being added to Google Docs for Android. With this integration, Gemini can now create images within your documents, further blurring the distinction between a creative AI workspace and a conventional text editor. This addition is exclusive to AI Pro and Ultra users, just as the audio tool is.
These changes point to a larger effort by Google to make Docs less static, smarter, and more engaging. These days, documents are not just about typing; they reflect how we engage with the information contained.
Google Docs is now more than just a writing tool. Your files can communicate, convince, mentor, or just clarify with the touch of a button, thanks to Gemini's voice and creative abilities.
What is Google Docs AI Voice Reader?
Google Docs AI Voice Reader is a text-to-speech feature that reads documents aloud, enhancing comprehension, multitasking, and editing for premium AI Pro and Ultra users.
How do I enable the AI Voice Reader in Google Docs?
Open Google Docs in a browser, select ‘AI Voice Reader’ under ‘Extensions’, highlight text, and click play to listen with adjustable speed and voice settings.
Which voices are available in the AI Voice Reader?
The AI Voice Reader offers seven distinct voices: Narrator, Educator, Teacher, Explainer, Coach, Motivator, and Persuader, each providing a unique narration style.
Can collaborators listen to shared Google Docs using this feature?
Yes, insert an audio button via Insert > Audio buttons > Listen to tab, allowing anyone with access to play the document aloud instantly.
Is the AI Voice Reader available for all Google Docs users?
No, this feature is currently limited to Google Workspace AI Pro and Ultra subscribers on the web version of Google Docs.