New website for children 'learning to write and read'  launched on Google

There are hundreds of 'illustrated stories' in different stages. The stories will be available in English, Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Spanish and Portuguese.

Google has unveiled the browser version of its Android app 'Read Along'. The website is currently in beta version but is working fine.

The site has hundreds of 'illustrated stories' at various stages, from which children can select stories and read them into their device's microphone.

Words they miss are 'highlighted' in blue and mispronounced words are 'underlined' in red. By clicking on the underlined word, a 'virtual assistant' called 'dia' will tell the child the correct pronunciation.

As reported by technology site Verge, the browsers currently supported by the site are Chrome, Firefox and Edge. However, it will soon come to other browsers including 'Safari'. Additionally, the site will feature stories in English, Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Spanish and Portuguese.

Google has added several new stories to its 'Read Along' collection, which will be available on both the web and Android versions later this year.

Apart from adapting content from child-friendly video makers 'USP Studio' and 'Chuchu TV' to its own platform, the app has also brought alphabet and phonics books from educational institution 'Kutuki'.

Launched in 2019, 'Read Along' Android app has been used by more than three crore children. This move to the desktop will not only increase the reach of children's devices, but will also allow many to read stories on relatively large screens.