Google Chrome gets voice skills: Now you can talk to your laptop!
Your laptop’s web browser is about to get much smarter: Google has begun rolling out voice recognition and command to its Chrome browser, mean you won’t have to touch the keyboard to send an email!
Apple has already added voice dictation to the latest version of OS X for Macs, but it’s just that, and it’s slow to launch. The technology in the latest beta release of the Chrome browser however has much more potential: not only can you now say search terms on a Windows PC, but the clever developer tools that go with the launch mean you’ll soon be able to boss web apps around like you can an Android phone.
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Now this won’t come as anything new to smartphone and tablet users already used to voice recognition on Android and iPhone, but there’s lots more potential on a computer. For instance, since power is less of an issue, in the future, your browser could always be listening for commands – you wouldn’t have to tap a button first. You could just say “Message Richard to tell him I’m running late” and presto, convenient excuse sorted.
If you want to try out the tech now, you can find the Beta channel for Chrome here, otherwise, expect it to see it arrive in the official release in the near future.
Would you use this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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