Google Chrome tests adjustable "Audio Ducking" for Background Tabs

Google is improving the “Audio Ducking” feature in Chrome by introducing a new flag that allows users to adjust the level of background audio attenuation or automatic lowering. This gives users more control over how audio sources in background tabs are managed, reducing distractions and improving the overall listening experience.

Audio ducking prioritizes the primary audio and reduces the need for manual volume adjustments, improving user convenience. It ensures that background audio doesn’t interfere with important sounds like notifications or media playback by automatically adjusting the volume levels.

Chrome is providing a flag to allow users to adjust the level of reduction produced by audio ducking. This flag is currently available in the Canary version of Chrome, providing options ranging from a 60% to 100% reduction, with a default of 80%. Users can find this setting by navigating to chrome://flags and searching for “Audio Ducking”.

Audio ducking, “Allows Chrome to duck (attenuate) audio from other tabs”, the flag description reads.

Here are the options offered via the Chrome flag:

• Defau;t
• Enabled 60% attenuation
• Enabled 70% attenuation
• Enabled 80% attenuation (default)
• Enabled 90% attenuation
• Enabled 100% attenuation (completely muted)
• Disabled

“Adds a feature flag and parameter for audio ducking. This adds a base::Feature for audio ducking and a field trial param for audio ducking. The parameter controls the level of audio attenuation from 60% to 100% and defaults to 80%. This also adds a Chrome flag so the attenuation can be adjusted
from the chrome://flags UI.” The commit message reads.

Similar to Chrome (under testing), iPhone also offers audio ducking. It automatically lowers background audio, keeping the primary audio clear.

Google is working toimprove the audio ducking feature in Chrome, with the aim of providing users with greater customization and control. Future updates might further improve audio management within the browser.

In addition to this, Google is testing AI-powered permission system to manage notifications in Chrome. Additionally, the company is making Gemini chat prompt consistent in Chrome and other Google services and apps by renaming the “Chat with Gemini” prompt in address bar to “Ask Gemini”.