Both Google and Meta are expanding their AI voice capabilities, underscoring a trend toward making digital content more audible, accessible, and global.

Google Docs now includes a feature that lets users generate an audio version of their documents with Gemini AI. Users can customize the voice and playback speed, and both document creators and readers can access the read-aloud option through the Tools menu then selecting Audio – Listen to this tab. Authors can also add an audio button directly into a document by choosing Insert – Audio for readers to start listening.

The feature builds on Google’s earlier idea of “AI podcasts” but offers a more straightforward way to simply listen to written work.

At launch, the tool supports only English documents on desktop devices. It is rolling out to Workspace business, enterprise, and education users, as well as AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.

Meta is expanding access to its AI-powered translation and dubbing tools for Facebook Reels and Instagram. With this feature, creators can automatically dub videos into another language, while maintaining their voice tone and syncing lip movements for a natural effect.

The translation feature is initially available for English-to-Spanish and Spanish-to-English conversions, with additional languages expected. Facebook creators with at least 1,000 followers and all Instagram public accounts can access the tool.

Getting started is simple: before publishing a Reel, creators can select “Translate your voice with Meta AI” and toggle on translations and lip syncing. After clicking “share now,” the Reel is available in Spanish or English.

Creators also have the option to review translations before publishing. Notifications or the Professional Dashboard provide a chance to approve or reject the output, without affecting the original Reel. Once published, translated Reels appear in a viewer’s preferred language, with an indicator showing they were powered by Meta AI.

Viewers remain in control, too: they can disable translations for specific languages in the audio and language settings menu. Creators also gain access to new analytics, showing breakdowns of views by language to help measure how translations are performing.

Meta recommends using face-to-camera videos, speaking clearly, and avoiding covering the mouth. On Facebook, translations support up to two speakers, but accuracy decreases if voices overlap. Reducing background noise and posting consistently helps build audiences in new languages over time.

In addition to automatic translations, creators can now upload up to 20 dubbed audio tracks per Reel through the Meta Business Suite. This allows pages that already produce multilingual content to share their own localized versions.

Creators can add, replace, or remove tracks before or after publishing. Just like with Meta AI translations, viewers hear the Reel in their selected language settings, supporting deeper connections with global audiences.

Both Google and Meta are using voice-driven AI features to expand accessibility and global reach. For Google, read-aloud in Docs supports productivity and education, while for Meta, translations and dubbing unlock audience growth for creators across language barriers.

Together, these moves reflect the industry’s larger push toward multimodal AI — systems that combine text, voice, and video to create more flexible and humanlike digital experiences.

Q: What new AI feature did Google add to Docs?
A: Google added a read-aloud function, letting users listen to documents with customizable voices and playback speeds.

Q: Who can use Google’s AI audio in Docs?
A: It is available to Workspace business, enterprise, and education customers, as well as AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.

Q: What does Meta’s AI translations feature do?
A: It automatically dubs and lip syncs Reels into another language, keeping the creator’s voice tone for authenticity.

Q: Which languages are supported by Meta AI translations?
A: Currently English ↔ Spanish, with more languages planned.

Q: Why are these updates significant?
A: They show how AI voice tools are becoming central to accessibility, global communication, and creator growth.

The rollout of AI read-aloud in Google Docs and voice translations in Meta’s platforms signals the rapid expansion of AI voice capabilities across tech ecosystems. These tools are not just conveniences — they reflect a deeper shift toward AI-driven accessibility and global reach, where content can move seamlessly between text, speech, and languages.

As competition between tech giants intensifies, voice-enabled AI is emerging as a defining battleground for the next wave of digital experiences.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.