Speechify expands its capabilities with voice typing and a voice assistant in the Chrome extension
Speechify, long known for turning written content into engaging audio, is extending its reach beyond listening. The company has introduced two new features—voice typing and a voice assistant—directly within its Chrome extension. The move signals a broader push toward hands-free, accessible reading and writing workflows that combine audio, text, and voice in a single browser tool.
What’s new: voice typing and a voice assistant
The new voice typing feature lets users dictate text into any web form or document while the Speechify extension remains active in the browser. This isn’t merely a speech-to-text layer for casual notes; it’s designed to integrate with online editors, email fields, and content management systems. For students, professionals, or anyone who prefers speaking to typing, the feature can expedite drafting emails, outlines, or even long-form articles.
In addition to voice typing, Speechify introduces a voice assistant that can answer questions and perform basic tasks through natural language commands. Users can ask for a summary of a page, request the next section to be read aloud, or switch between reading speeds and voices using simple voice prompts. The assistant is designed to minimize context switching: stay on the current page, but control the reading and writing flow with conversational queries.
Why these features matter for productivity
Two trends drive this update. First, there’s a growing demand for hybrid reading-writing tools that can operate hands-free in real-time. Second, accessibility remains a priority for many users who prefer or need voice input and navigation. By embedding voice typing and a voice assistant into the Chrome extension, Speechify lowers barriers to getting work done online—whether you’re composing a quick note, drafting a report, or reviewing lengthy documents while on the move.
From a productivity perspective, the integration aims to reduce friction. Users no longer need to switch between apps or copy/paste text. The voice typing feature accepts natural language input, with Speechify handling punctuation and formatting where possible. The voice assistant adds a layer of conversational control, enabling users to manage listening speed, select a preferred voice, and cue the extension to pause or resume reading. Combined, these capabilities create a streamlined workflow where reading, thinking, and writing happen in one seamless session.
How to use the new features
Getting started is straightforward. Update or reinstall the Speechify Chrome extension, then locate the new voice typing and voice assistant options within the extension interface. To begin voice typing, click the microphone icon, grant the necessary permissions, and start speaking. You’ll see your words appear in the active text field, with Speechify handling formatting in most common scenarios.
To engage the voice assistant, activate it via the extension panel or use a designated hotword if available. You can ask questions like, “What’s the main point of this article?” or “Summarize this page in three bullets.” You can also issue commands such as “read aloud at 1x speed,” “switch to a female voice,” or “highlight key terms.” The assistant is designed to respond quickly while keeping you in the reading or writing flow.
What this means for users and the broader ecosystem
Speechify’s move strengthens its position in the crowded productivity and accessibility space. By layering voice input and conversational control onto an established reading tool, the company is appealing to power users who crave efficiency and to newcomers who value ease of use. The Chrome extension remains a frequently-used entry point for accessing Speechify’s features, providing a consistent bridge between reading, listening, and now speaking operations across the browser environment.
As with any new feature, user feedback will shape further refinements. Potential updates may include enhanced accuracy for non-native accents, expanded compatibility with more web forms, and improved context handling for longer documents. In the meantime, the combination of voice typing and a voice assistant in a familiar extension is a meaningful step toward a more integrated, voice-forward digital workspace.
Conclusion
Speechify’s Chrome extension now supports voice typing and a voice assistant, expanding the tool from a pure listening experience to a more interactive reading and writing companion. For anyone who spends significant time in browser-based document editing, email, or research, these features promise faster, more fluid workflows without leaving the browser. As the landscape of AI-powered productivity tools evolves, Speechify’s latest updates exemplify how voice and reading can work together to boost efficiency and accessibility.
