The next version of Chrome features the Web Speech API for developers.
Other than a U-Haul truck full of bug fixes, Google's Chrome 24 didn't really introduce any uber exciting features to the masses. There was an update to Flash, some speed improvements, and not much else. Such is the side effect of having rapid fire browser releases, but lest you find yourself overly jaded these days, Chrome 25 looks to be a little more interesting with the inclusion of the Web Speech API for developers.
Using the Web Speech API, developers will be able to code interactive webpages that support voice. This opens the door to several possibilities, including the ability to dictate online documents, have a freestyle rap battle, or control game characters with your browser using voice commands, Google says. In short, Chrome 25 makes it possible to "talk apps into doing all sorts of things."
Chrome 25 landed in the beta channel today, and there's an online demo of the Web Speech API in case you want to kick the tires and see how it works. If you do decide to give it a spin, come back and tell us what you think in the comments section below.
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qRolXPWqCSo" width="620" height="465" frameborder="0">></iframe>
Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook
Comment