Auditory learning isn’t just a preference—it’s a powerful way to absorb complex information. Recognizing this, Google has enhanced its tools to make reading and reviewing documents more accessible. Following the success of NotebookLM-powered Audio Overviews, the tech giant is now introducing a text-to-speech feature directly within Google Docs.
The new Gemini-powered model allows users to generate audio versions of their documents, offering multiple voices and playback speeds for a personalized listening experience. This feature is designed to benefit both readers and authors alike.
Users can access the Audio feature through the Tools menu in Google Docs, enabling them to listen to the contents of the current document instantly. Authors can also pre-add audio buttons to their documents, allowing readers to listen without manually generating an audio version. To do this, authors simply navigate to Insert → Audio buttons → Listen to tab. Once inserted, these buttons can be customized in label, color, and size to suit the document’s design.
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Currently, the feature is available only for English-language documents on desktop, and Google has not yet confirmed plans for expanding language support.
The rollout began yesterday and is expected to be widely accessible by the end of the month for Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Standard Plus, Enterprise Standard, and Enterprise Standard Plus accounts. Users with Gemini Education, Gemini Education Premium add-on, Gemini Business, Gemini Enterprise add-on, and Google AI Pro and Ultra plans will also have access.
With this update, Google Docs moves closer to becoming a fully interactive workspace, making it easier for users to consume content on the go or in alternative learning formats.
