Google Chrome for Android is set to introduce a new feature that will enhance the user experience for its users. The upcoming feature, currently hidden behind a flag, is expected to allow users to listen to articles even when offline.

The feature, an extension of the existing Read Aloud feature available on Chrome’s desktop and web versions, will provide Android users with the ability to have articles read out loud to them. This feature has been well-received by users and has also been integrated into the Google Search app for both Android and iOS devices.

Another flag, known as Read Aloud Background Playback, will further enhance the functionality of the Read Aloud feature by enabling it to work offline. This will be particularly useful for users who want to listen to articles without an active internet connection.

Currently, users can access the Read Aloud feature on Google Chrome for Android by visiting a page, tapping the three-dot menu, and selecting the ‘Listen to article’ option. This opens a mini-player that reads the content of the page aloud, providing users with playback controls and the ability to adjust the playback speed.

While the feature works well when the tab is active and the device is online, the new flag aims to eliminate these restrictions, making it more convenient for users to listen to articles offline. Although the feature is currently hidden behind a flag, it is expected to be officially rolled out through a Chrome app update in the near future.

Overall, the introduction of this new feature on Google Chrome for Android is set to enhance the accessibility and usability of the browser, providing users with a convenient way to consume content even when offline.