Google Tests “Live Caption” Feature for Media on Desktop Chrome
(Google Tests “Live Caption” for Media on Desktop Chrome)
Google is testing a new feature called “Live Caption” for its Chrome browser on desktop computers. This feature automatically adds captions to videos and audio playing directly within the browser window. It works for various types of media content. Users do not need to install extra software or extensions.
The goal is to make online media more accessible. Captions help people who are deaf or hard of hearing understand audio content. They also assist anyone watching videos in noisy places or quiet environments where sound is off. Google first introduced Live Caption on Android devices. Now, the company is bringing it to computers.
This test is happening in Chrome Canary. Chrome Canary is an experimental version of the browser for developers and early adopters. It gets updates almost daily. Users testing Chrome Canary can try Live Caption now. They need to enable it through the browser’s settings menu. The setting is found under “Accessibility” options.
The captions appear in a small box on the screen. This box can be moved around by the user. Live Caption currently supports English language audio. Google says it processes all audio locally on the user’s computer. This means the audio data does not get sent to Google’s servers. The company emphasizes privacy.
(Google Tests “Live Caption” for Media on Desktop Chrome)
Google is actively gathering feedback from testers. This feedback will help improve Live Caption before a wider release. The feature is not final. Its design and functionality might change based on user input and testing results. Google has not announced a specific date for making Live Caption available to all Chrome desktop users.