Speechify, widely known for turning text into audio, is broadening its capabilities with new voice-driven tools added to its Chrome extension. The company is introducing two major features: voice typing and a built-in voice assistant designed to help users interact more naturally with online content.
Over the past year, voice recognition technology has improved dramatically, and many apps have begun integrating speech-based input. Speechify is now joining this growing field with its own dictation tool, currently available in English. The feature functions much like other voice-to-text solutions by correcting mistakes, removing filler words, and cleaning up sentences as you speak.
During a brief test, however, the experience felt inconsistent across different websites. The dictation feature performed reasonably well in services like Google Docs and Gmail, but struggled on platforms such as WordPress, where activating or maintaining the voice input was unreliable. According to the company, optimization for more websites is being rolled out gradually.
Accuracy is another area where Speechify still has work to do. In side-by-side comparisons, the tool produced higher error rates than competing speech products such as Wispr Flow, Willow, or Monologue. Speechify says this should improve over time, as its system learns from a user’s voice and adapts with continued use.
The second major update is a conversational assistant accessible from a sidebar in Chrome. Users can ask questions about whatever page they are viewing—for example, requesting summaries, key ideas, or simplified explanations. While mainstream AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini offer voice modes, Speechify’s argument is that voice is not the primary interface in those apps. The company is positioning itself as a voice-first experience where speaking, not typing, is the default way to interact with AI.
One current limitation is that the assistant does not work in browsers that already include their own sidebar AI helpers, such as Atlas, Comet, or Dia. Still, the team is not concerned, as the Chrome extension remains the product’s primary focus.
Speechify plans to bring both voice typing and the voice assistant to all its apps on desktop and mobile in the coming months. The company is also exploring more advanced “agents” that can perform tasks for users, such as calling to book appointments or handling customer service wait times—an area where several startups, including Truecaller and Cloacked, are also experimenting.
