Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life - www.One Cool Tip .com: Chrome

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Saturday, October 4, 2025

Read Aloud in Google Chrome: Let Your Browser Do the Reading

Read Aloud in Google Chrome: Let Your Browser Do the Reading

Google Chrome now includes a built-in Read Aloud feature in Reading Mode. With one click, you can have web pages narrated to you, perfect for multitasking, accessibility, or simply giving your eyes a rest.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 4, 2025

How many times have you bookmarked an article, only to never circle back because your eyes were too tired or your time was too short?

Here's a Cool Tip: Use Read Aloud in Google Chrome.

Chrome’s new Read Aloud feature tackles that challenge by literally reading web pages out loud to you.

It transforms any long article into an audiobook-style experience, giving business users, educators, and casual readers another way to process information without staring at the screen.

What the Feature Does and Why It Matters

Read Aloud sits inside Chrome’s Reading Mode, a stripped-down view designed to eliminate clutter.

Once activated, Chrome converts the text into speech using natural-sounding voices.

This is a huge win for accessibility (supporting users with dyslexia or vision challenges), but it also benefits multitaskers who want to catch up on research while answering emails or making coffee.

What You’ll Gain

Hands-free listening for articles, reports, or blogs.
Better focus with distraction-free Reading Mode.
Accessibility boost for learners and professionals.

Step-by-Step Instructions

On Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS)

Open Google Chrome and go to the page you want to read.
Right-click anywhere on the page and select Open in Reading Mode.
In Reading Mode, click the Play icon to activate Read Aloud.
Use the controls to pause, skip, or adjust the reading voice.

fig. 1 - Chrome's Read Aloud Mode

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Built-in: no need for extensions.
Works across platforms.
Multiple voices available for a natural reading flow.
Great for accessibility and multitasking.

Cons:

Limited customization compared to third-party text-to-speech apps.
Requires Reading Mode; can’t read every webpage in its raw format.
Not yet integrated with saved articles or offline reading.

Configuration Guide

Ensure you’re running the latest version of Chrome to access the feature.

You can customize the voice, speed, font, and color theme within the Reading Mode side panel.

Ensure you’re running the latest version of Chrome to access the feature.

Feature Access

Available to all Google Chrome users (no subscription required).

Works on desktop and ChromeOS.

Requires the page to be opened in Reading Mode.

Score

Criterion | Score | Justification

Value: 9/10
Strong productivity and accessibility gains for all users.

Usability: 8/10
Easy to use but requires Reading Mode step.

Wow Factor: 7/10
Familiar concept, but surprising to see it baked into Chrome itself.

Total Score: 24/30 👍 Good. Worth adopting for most users—especially those who read long content daily.

Key Takeaways

Chrome’s Read Aloud is a free, built-in productivity tool that makes consuming web content easier.

Whether you want to multitask, support accessibility, or simply reduce screen fatigue, this feature is ready to use right now.

Try It Yourself

Open Chrome, switch to Reading Mode, and click the Play icon.

Try it on today’s article queue.

You’ll be surprised how natural it feels.

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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Thursday, September 11, 2025

Why Chrome’s Incognito Mode Isn’t Always Enough

Why Chrome’s Incognito Mode Isn’t Always Enough

Chrome offers both Guest Profiles and Incognito Mode, but they solve different problems. Learn the difference, when to use each, and how these tools can simplify your digital life.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September, 11, 2025

Have you ever handed over your laptop to a friend or colleague for a quick Google search, only to feel a little pang of anxiety as you watched them type?

We all know that moment. You trust your friends, but you might not want them seeing your browser history, bookmarks, or the myriad of accounts you're logged into.

It is a classic digital privacy dilemma.

Here's a Cool Tip: Chrome's Guest Mode.

These two features might seem similar on the surface, but they are built for fundamentally different purposes.

Understanding the distinction is not just a tech tip, it is a simple, but powerful way to protect your digital life, whether you are lending your device or using a public computer.

What You'll Gain

Securely lend your computer to others.
Protect your personal data from prying eyes.
Browse confidently on public or shared machines.

Stop Chrome Pop-Ups & Redirects for Good

Stop Chrome Pop-Ups & Redirects for Good

Learn how to enforce Chrome’s built-in pop-up and redirect blocker to regain control, eliminate nuisance ads, and stay productive online.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 3, 2025

Ever clicked a page only to be launched into a torrent of new tabs, ads or redirects?

Here's a Cool Tip: Set Chrome's Pop-up and Redirect blocker.

Chrome has a surprisingly capable blocker built in and tweaking the settings can save you from a day of frustration.

What You'll Gain

▸ A calmer, distraction-free browsing experience

▸ Better control over which sites can open pop-ups or redirect you

▸ Protection from some sketchy redirects that mimic play buttons or hidden overlays

Gemini in Chrome: Google’s AI Assistant Now Built Into Your Browser

Gemini in Chrome: Google’s AI Assistant Now Built Into Your Browser

Google’s Gemini AI is now seamlessly integrated into Chrome, offering real-time, context-aware assistance directly within your browser. Learn how this powerful tool can streamline your workflow, enhance productivity, and transform your browsing experience.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 24, 2025

AI Assistance, Right Where You Work

Imagine reading a dense research article and instantly getting a concise summary without leaving the page.

Or comparing product specs across multiple tabs with a single command.

Here's a Cool Tip: Use Google Gemini in Chrome.

With Gemini now embedded in Chrome, these scenarios are not just possible—they're effortless.

Google's latest integration brings AI assistance directly into your browser, revolutionizing how we interact with web content.

What Is Gemini in Chrome?

Gemini in Chrome is Google's AI assistant built directly into the Chrome browser.

Unlike standalone AI tools, Gemini operates within your current browsing context, providing real-time assistance based on the content you're viewing.

Whether you're summarizing articles, clarifying complex concepts, or comparing information across tabs, Gemini is designed to enhance your productivity without disrupting your workflow.

How to Set Your Startup Pages in Google Chrome

Tired of opening the same websites every time you launch Chrome? This quick tip shows you how to set specific pages to automatically open on startup, saving you valuable time.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 4, 2025 - Originally published May 6, 2023

When you start Chrome, do you always have to take a few minute to open all of your favorite websites?

You don't have to do that,

Here's a Cool Tip.

Change your Chrome settings to set the tabs you want to open whenever you launch Chrome.

And it can be more than one page.

How to Set a Timer or Stopwatch in Google Chrome

Quickly access a timer or stopwatch directly within your Chrome browser using Google's built-in feature – no extra apps needed! Simply type "timer" or "stopwatch" into the address bar to start timing

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 3, 2025 - Originally published April 26, 2023

Whether you're cooking a meal, need to know when to leave, or something else, a timer can be a handy tool.

And with Google Chrome, you can set a timer or stopwatch right from your browser.

Customize Your Google Chrome Toolbar

Customize Your Google Chrome Toolbar

Streamline your browser experience by tailoring the Google Chrome toolbar to fit your unique usage, putting your most-used tools just a click away.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 3, 2025

Is your browser toolbar a chaotic collection of icons you barely use?

Do you find yourself digging through menus for that one essential feature?

In our fast-paced digital lives, efficiency is paramount, and the tools we use every day, like our web browser, should work for us, not against us.

Here's a Cool Tip: Customize Your Google Chrome Toolbar!

Google Chrome, the world's most popular browser, now offers powerful ways to customize its toolbar, yet many users aren't harnessing its full potential.

It's time to change that and transform your browser from a generic tool into a personalized productivity powerhouse.

What is Chrome Toolbar Customization and Why Does It Matter?

Unlocking the Power of Google Lens: Search Your Screen Effortlessly on iOS

Unlocking the Power of Google Lens: Search Your Screen Effortlessly on iOS

Instantly search anything on your screen without switching apps! Google's latest update to Google Lens on iOS lets you search images, text, and more directly while browsing. Learn how this game-changing feature makes discovering information faster and easier.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

March 11, 2025

Ever stumbled upon an intriguing image or unfamiliar term while browsing on your iPhone, wishing for instant information without the hassle of switching apps or taking screenshots?

Here's a Cool Tip: Search with Google Lens on Your iPhone.

Google's latest enhancement to Google Lens now makes this possible, transforming the way iOS users interact with on-screen content.

Google Lens, renowned for its visual search capabilities, has introduced a feature that allows iOS users to search their screens directly within the Chrome browser and Google app.

This advancement eliminates the need for cumbersome steps, offering a seamless and efficient browsing experience.

Understanding the Feature and Its Significance

Manage Your Browser With Chrome's 'Organize Similar Tabs' Feature

Manage Your Browser With Chrome's 'Organize Similar Tabs' Feature

Discover how Chrome's 'Organize Similar Tabs' feature can streamline your browsing experience by automatically grouping related tabs, reducing clutter, and enhancing productivity.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 30, 2025

Ever found yourself drowning in a sea of open tabs, struggling to locate the one you need?

With the increasing complexity of online tasks, managing multiple tabs has become a common challenge.

Here's a Cool Tip: Use Chrome's 'Organize Similar Tabs' feature.

Recognizing this, Google has introduced the 'Organize Similar Tabs' feature in Chrome, designed to simplify your browsing by automatically grouping related tabs.

This feature leverages artificial intelligence to scan your open tabs and group those with related content.

This reduces clutter, making it easier to navigate between tasks and enhancing overall productivity.

Squeeze More Life Out of Your Laptop: How to Use Chrome's Energy Saver Mode

Squeeze More Life Out of Your Laptop: How to Use Chrome's Energy Saver Mode

Worried about your laptop battery dying on the go? Chrome's Energy Saver mode can help you browse longer and conserve power.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 7, 2025

We've all been there: you're working on your laptop, engrossed in a project or catching up on emails, and suddenly the low battery warning pops up.

Panic sets in as you scramble for a charger.

But what if your browser could help you conserve power and extend your laptop's battery life?

Here's a Cool Tip: Use the Chrome Energy Saver feature.

Chrome's Energy Saver mode is a built-in feature designed to optimize your browsing experience when your laptop is running on battery power.

Tame Your Tabs: How to Monitor Chrome Tab Memory Usage

Tame Your Tabs: How to Monitor Chrome Tab Memory Usage

Unmask the memory hogs and keep your browser running smoothly.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

December 15, 2024

Ever felt your computer slow to a crawl with too many Chrome tabs open?

Wondering which websites are the biggest resource gluttons?

Here's a Cool Tip: Check the Chrome tab!

Chrome now offers a handy feature to monitor the memory usage of each tab, giving you the power to optimize your browsing experience.

Why is Monitoring Tab Memory Usage Important?

High memory usage can significantly impact your computer's performance, leading to slowdowns, freezes, and even crashes.

How to Use Chrome Site Engagement to Your Advantage

How to Use Chrome Site Engagement to Your Advantage

Understanding how Chrome tracks your online behavior can help you improve your browsing experience.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

December 5, 2024

Ever wonder how your web browser seems to "know" which sites you frequent most?

Or how certain websites seem to load faster than others?

Here's a Cool Tip: Use a hidden feature of Google Chrome called "Site Engagement."

Chrome Site Engagement is a scoring system that Google Chrome uses to track user interaction with websites.

Search Your Chrome History Like Never Before with AI

Search Your Chrome History Like Never Before with AI

Tired of sifting through endless pages of your Chrome history? AI-powered search is here to revolutionize how you rediscover past browsing.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 3, 2024

Have you ever struggled to find a specific webpage you visited last week, or even yesterday?

Remember that cool recipe site, but not its name?

Here's a Cool Tip: Use the new Chrome History Search with AI.

Google Chrome now harnesses the power of AI to make searching your browsing history easier and more intuitive than ever before.

Google Lens in Chrome: Your New Visual Search Powerhouse

Google Lens in Chrome: Your New Visual Search Powerhouse

Supercharge your browsing experience! Google Lens is now integrated into Chrome, letting you search, translate, and shop directly from webpages and images. Learn how to unlock this powerful feature and revolutionize the way you interact with the web.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 5, 2024

Ever stumbled upon an intriguing image online and wished you could instantly learn more about it?

Or perhaps you've struggled to translate text within an image or find a product you spotted in a photo?

Here's a Cool Tip: Use the new Google Lens in Chrome feature.

This powerful integration brings the magic of Lens directly to your Chrome browser, transforming the way you interact with images and opening up a world of possibilities.

Throwback: Reopen Closed Tabs in Chrome Browser

Throwback: Reopen Closed Tabs in Chrome Browser

Discover a quick fix for accidentally closed tabs in the Chrome browser!

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 25, 2024 - First published Aug 5, 2015

It just happens. We've all done it.

You're clicking too fast and then oops.

You accidentally close a tab in the Chrome browser.

Fear not.

There's an easy fix.

All you have to do is press Control + Shift + T and the just-closed tab will reopen where you left off.

On a Mac, use Command + Shift + T to do the same thing.

You can also right-mouse click in the gray box to the right of the tabs and select "Reopen closed window"

Boost Your Productivity: Master the "Continue Where You Left Off" Setting in Chrome

Boost Your Productivity: Master the "Continue Where You Left Off" Setting in Chrome

Discover how to configure Chrome's "On startup" settings to seamlessly pick up where you left off, boosting your productivity and streamlining your browsing experience.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 15, 2024

Have you ever closed Chrome accidentally, only to lose all your open tabs and have to start your browsing session all over again?

Or maybe you prefer to have Chrome open up right where you left it, ready to jump back into your work or research?

Here's a Cool Tip. Change your Chrome settings to "Continue Where You Left Off."

Tame the Chrome Beast: Reclaim Your RAM with Google Chrome Memory Saver

Tame the Chrome Beast: Reclaim Your RAM with Google Chrome Memory Saver

Is Google Chrome slowing down your computer? Discover how Memory Saver can supercharge your browsing experience by putting inactive tabs to sleep and freeing up precious system resources.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

July 23, 2024

Does your computer groan under the weight of dozens of open Chrome tabs?

Does your laptop battery drain faster than a leaky faucet when Chrome is running?

Here's a Cool Tip. Enable Memory Saver in Google Chrome.

Chrome is notorious for being a resource hog. But Google has a solution: Memory Saver.

Supercharge Your Writing in Chrome with "Help Me Write"

Supercharge Your Writing in Chrome with "Help Me Write"

Unlock the power of AI-driven writing assistance directly within Google Chrome. Learn how to enable, use, and maximize the "Help Me Write" feature for emails, social posts, and more.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 28, 2024

Ever wished for a writing assistant that could help you craft emails, social media posts, or even longer articles?

Here's a Cool Tip. Use Google Chrome's new "Help Me Write" feature.

Turn Your Favorite Websites into Desktop and Mobile Apps

Turn Your Favorite Websites into Desktop and Mobile Apps

Tired of tab clutter? Learn how to transform your most-used websites into standalone apps in Chrome and Edge, streamlining your browsing experience and boosting productivity.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 23, 2024

Ever wish your favorite websites felt more like native applications, unburdened by browser tabs and toolbars?

Here's a Col Tip. Install a web page as a standalone app!

Both Chrome and Edge on both desktop and mobile devices offer a simple solution: the ability to install web pages as standalone apps.

This not only declutters your browsing but also can enhance performance and offer a more focused experience.

Here's how to do it on desktop PCs.

Desktop - Chrome:

Open the website you want to install.
Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
Hover over "More tools" and select "Save, share and cast"
Select "Install page as app."
Enter a name for the app, select "Install.""
Select the option to "pin" to your taskbar.

Desktop - Edge:

Open the desired website.
Click the three-dot menu and select "Apps."
Click "Install this site as an app."
Choose a name and click "Install."
Select if you want to "pin to taskbar" or create a desktop icon.
Your new app will be listed under the "Apps" listing.

fig. 2 - Installing Desktop WPA Using Microsoft Edge

Here's how to install Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) on your Android phone.

Android - Chrome

Launch the Chrome browser on your Android device.
Visit the website you want to install as a PWA.
Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
Select "Add to Home screen" (or sometimes it's labeled "Install app").
A pop-up will appear, confirm the app's name and tap "Add" or "Install."
The PWA icon will appear on your home screen like any other app.

Android - Edge

Launch the Microsoft Edge browser.
Go to the website you want to install as a PWA.
Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
Tap on "Apps" in the menu.
Select the option to install the site as an app.
Confirm the app's name and tap "Install."
The PWA will be added to your app list, accessible through the Edge Apps page (edge://apps).

Important Notes:

Not every website offers a PWA version. You'll typically see an "Add to Home Screen" prompt or a similar indication if it's available.
PWAs update automatically in the background, ensuring you always have the latest version.
Some PWAs offer offline functionality, allowing you to use them even without an internet connection.

Here's how to install WPAs on an iPhone.

iPhone - Chrome

Launch the Chrome browser on your iPhone.
Visit the website you want to save as a pseudo-app.
Tap the Share button at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a square with an arrow pointing up).
Scroll through the options and tap "Add to Home Screen."
You can edit the name of the app.
"Add" in the top right corner.
The website's icon will appear on your home screen, launching it in a standalone Chrome window when tapped.

iPhone - Edge

Launch the Microsoft Edge browser.
Go to the website you want to save.
Tap the Share button at the bottom of the screen.
Select "Add to Home Screen."
Edit the name.
Tap "Add" in the top right corner.
The website icon will be added to your home screen, launching a standalone Edge window when tapped.

Important Notes:

These aren't technically full PWAs like on Android, but they offer a similar experience of opening a website in its own window without browser UI elements.
Limitations:

They may not offer offline capabilities or background syncing like true PWAs.
Some features of the website might be limited.
If a website offers a dedicated iOS app, that's usually a better option for a more integrated experience.

For desktop or mobile, find the icon where the app was saved and select to open.

Installing web pages as apps in Chrome and Edge is a powerful way to personalize your digital workspace and elevate your browsing experience.

By taking a few simple steps, you can enjoy the benefits of both worlds – the convenience of the web and the streamlined focus of applications.

Have you tried installing web pages as apps?

Which websites have you found most useful in this format?

Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Don't forget to share this guide with your fellow tech enthusiasts on social media.

READ MORE

Please LIKE and SHARE OneCoolTip.com!

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Visit the OneCoolTip YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@onecooltip

X: https://twitter.com/OneCoolTip Threads: https://www.threads.net/@onecooltip

Do you have a Cool Tip or question? Email us at onecooltip.com@gmail.com

Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind OneCoolTip.com, where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

OneCoolTip.com

http://www.onecooltip.com

Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life!

#Chrome #MicrosoftEdge #ChromeApps #EdgeApps #PWAs #ProductivityHacks #WebApps #TechTips #OneCoolTip @OneCoolTip

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Unleash Your Creativity: How to Design a Unique Chrome Theme with AI

Unleash Your Creativity: How to Design a Unique Chrome Theme with AI

Google Chrome's new AI-powered theme generator lets you effortlessly create custom themes based on your preferences. Learn how to harness this innovative tool to personalize your browsing experience.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 16, 2024

Have you ever wished your Google Chrome browser reflected your personality or current mood?

Maybe you're tired of the default theme or want a design that sparks creativity.

Here's a Cool Tip. Customize your Chrome Theme with AI.

Google's new feature allows you to generate custom themes that are uniquely yours.

Ready to transform your browser into a visual masterpiece?

Here's how to do it.

On your computer, open Chrome.
At the bottom right of a New Tab page, select "Customize Chrome".
Select "Change theme".
Select "Create with AI".
Under “Create theme with AI”:
Choose from a list of popular subjects.
Under “Add optional details”:
Select a style you prefer. The styles in the list have a thumbnail image to give you an insight on what they may look like.
Choose a mood from the list.
Choose a color from the options provided.
Select Create.
A set of themes are generated by AI.
Select a theme to apply to the New Tab page.

fig. 1 - Create a Chrome Theme from AI

fig. 2 - Chrome AI Theme

The process to create an AI theme is easy, even for non-designers.

The AI generates a wide range of visually appealing themes.

Imagine you're a nature lover.

You could create a calming theme with watercolor landscapes.

If you're a fan of retro aesthetics, an 80s-inspired neon theme could be your perfect match. The possibilities are virtually endless!

Google Chrome's AI theme generator is a fantastic tool for those who want to personalize their browsing experience.

While it may not offer complete control, it opens up a world of creative possibilities.

So why settle for the default theme when you can have a browser that truly reflects your unique style?

Give it a try and let your creativity run wild!

READ MORE

Please LIKE and SHARE OneCoolTip.com!

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Visit the OneCoolTip YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@onecooltip

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Do you have a Cool Tip or question? Email us at onecooltip.com@gmail.com

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Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life!

#Google #Chrome #ChromeThemes #AIArt #CustomizeChrome #PersonalizeYourBrowser #TechTips #OneCoolTip @OneCoolTip

Saturday, October 4, 2025

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Sunday, May 4, 2025

How to Set Your Startup Pages in Google Chrome

Saturday, May 3, 2025

How to Set a Timer or Stopwatch in Google Chrome

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Thursday, May 16, 2024