Google Chrome for Desktop Gains Live Captions Feature for Audio and Video

Google today rolled out its live caption transcription feature to version 89 of Chrome browser for desktop, as first spotted by XDA Developers.

chrome live captions feature google
Previously only available on some Pixel and Samsung phones, Live Captions uses machine learning to create a real-time transcription for videos or audio played through the browser, making online media more accessible for members of the Deaf community and other people with hearing loss.

Once enabled, Live Captions appear in a box in the bottom of the browser whenever you play audio or video that includes people talking. We tried it on YouTube videos and Spotify podcasts, and it worked well, although the words do appear after a slight delay and aren't always 100% accurate.

It's also worth mentioning that the feature only seems to work for spoken English at this time, but otherwise it's generally pretty good at transcribing speech where captions may not have been available. Here's how to get it working.

How to Enable Google Chrome's New Live Caption Feature

  1. Launch Google Chrome on your desktop.
  2. Click the customize button in the top-right corner of the browser window (the vertical column of three dots).
  3. Click Settings in the dropdown menu.
    chrome

  4. Click the Advanced heading to expand the section, then select Accessibility.
  5. Click the switch next to Live Captions to enable it. If you don't see the option, make sure you're updated to Chrome 89 (Settings -> About Chrome). If the browser's already up-to-date, quit the app and then relaunch it, and you should see the new Live Captions setting appear.
    chrome

As soon as you enable Live Captions, Chrome will begin downloading speech recognition files, a process that should take only a few seconds. Once it's finished, you should see an automatic transcription whenever someone is talking in video or audio that's being played back through the browser.

chrome live captions
You can expand the live transcription box to make it larger by clicking the small chevron at the bottom of the overlay, and drag it around the screen for better positioning. Captions will also appear if you mute the audio or have the volume turned down, allowing you to follow videos or podcasts without distracting anyone in the vicinity.

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Top Rated Comments

GeoStructural Avatar
60 months ago
What a gimmick. It will become a real feature when Apple invents it in 2030 under some cheesy name like “Magic subs” or “Air Translate”.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jonnysods Avatar
60 months ago
Pretty slick, the technology Google push is pretty amazing. I wish Siri was as quick and responsive as Google.

The one thing that pops into my mind is - I bet all that text gets saved somewhere too...
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Chafka Avatar
60 months ago
This isn't too surprising to me. About four years ago when I was working through my Masters degree, I would upload my interviews to a private youtube channel for transcription (got done in about an hour I think it was). Same tech, same company and they have had a chance to refine it by now so I am sure it is much faster (obviously). Really cool stuff though, and really convenient.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
icanhazmac Avatar
60 months ago
Hard pass as soon as I read "Google", not installing their crap on my system.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lkrupp Avatar
60 months ago
Anyone who values their privacy yet uses Chrome needs to see a psychiatrist. You are sick in the head
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
IllinoisCorn Avatar
60 months ago
I feel for corporate workers who are forced to use Chrome when there are so many other stable chromium choices.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)