Subj : Google powers up PDF tools in Chrome browser - but theres a catch
To   : All
From : TechnologyDaily
Date : Fri Jun 23 2023 15:30:03

Google powers up PDF tools in Chrome browser - but theres a catch

Date:
Fri, 23 Jun 2023 14:22:47 +0000

Description:
Google is set to bring OCR tools to Chrome's PDF reader after stating over 
360 billion PDFs are inaccessible - but users will need a Chromebook to use 
it.

FULL STORY
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Google is adding a useful new PDF editor capability to its Chrome browser in 
the name of accessibility. 

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology lets users convert PDF files 
to text. Now, that OCR software is set to come to Googles web browser, the 
company confirmed at edtech event ISTELive 23. 

Although no dates are given - Google states the feature will start rolling 
out in the coming months - the addition means users will be able to use 
screen readers to convert images to text and read it aloud. Reading and 
readers 

Greater web accessibility is the driving force behind the new free PDF reader 
mode. According to the companys own analysis, over 360 billion PDFs cant be 
accessed by those with sight and reading difficulties. Read more 

 > Adobe Acrobat to power Microsoft Edge's free PDF reader 


 > The best PDF readers for Windows tested 


 > DuckDuckGo is bringing its browser to Windows 

The solution, it seems, is AI (because of course it is). 

Google said its using the technology to create built-in Chrome browser 
features to address the issue. When a screen reader user comes across a PDF 
that does not have alt text (a description of the image embedded and readable 
by screen readers), the screen reader will be able to convert the image to 
text and read it aloud, the company said. 

But theres a catch to using OCR in Chrome: for now, at least, users will need 
to be on a ChromeOS device. 

OCR isnt the only feature set to launch in Chrome as the firm strengthens its 
commitment to online accessibility for all. Reading Mode, which launched in 
March and was similarly restricted to Chromebooks , will soon be available 
for all devices - which is about as accessible as one can get. 

Having said that, there may still be a touch of the browser wars about this 
reveal. Chrome is often regarded as one of the best browsers on the planet 
(and easily the most popular), but its entirely possible Google was spooked 
by Microsofts commitment earlier this year to power Edges free PDF editor 
with Adobe Acrobat . Best Adobe Acrobat alternatives : Find PDF editors that 
dont need a Creative Cloud subscription



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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/pro/software-services/google-powers-up-pdf-tools-in-
chrome-browser-but-theres-a-catch


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