Text-To-Speech to read websites in Chrome?

Question

I am using the Chrome browser and I know OS X has built-in voice synthesis that can speak to assist visually impaired users.

Can I use this feature to have the computer read contents of websites for me? Eg., I'd like to select a couple of paragraphs and have them read.

I know Safari has that built-in, but for one, there I don't know how to change the voice (e.g. I'd prefer a male voice), and secondly, I'd prefer to have it with Chrome.

Is it possible?

Answer 1

OS X's built in screen reader, VoiceOver, works in Chrome.

To enable it, go to System Preferences-> Universal Access-> Seeing and toggle the VoiceOver: radio group to On. You will also be able to check the shortcut key for easily enabing/disabling VoiceOver.

I recommend you take some time and familiarize yourself with VoiceOver; it's very powerful but takes some getting used to.

Click the VoiceOver Utility button to configure VoiceOver. This lets you change, among many other options, the voice and speaking speed.

Answer 2

Chrome supports macOS built-in text-to-speech functionality. Select the text in the browser then use any of these options:

• Right-click -> Speech -> Start Speaking
• Edit menu -> Speech -> Start Speaking

You can also assign a global keyboard shortcut that will apply across multiple applications:

1. System Settings -> Keyboard -> Keyboard Shortcuts... -> App Shortcuts -> click the + button to add a new shortcut
2. Application: All Applications (or only Google Chrome.app if you prefer)
3. Menu Title: Start Speaking
4. Keyboard Shortcut: Assign the the keyboard shortcut of your choice
5. Optionally: repeat the above step for Stop Speaking

Answer 3

Fortunately, someone (me) developed a Chrome extension that does exactly what you're looking for: Announcify

PS: Sorry for shamelessly advertising my own products.