Google has unveiled a new experiment within its Search Labs called "Audio Overviews."
Powered by the latest Gemini models, the feature aims to provide quick, conversational audio summaries for certain search queries.
With this initiative, Google seeks to offer users an additional way to absorb information hands-free, catering to those who prefer auditory experiences.
In a blog post, the company mentioned that an audio summary can help form an initial understanding of a topic, especially when multitasking or for individuals who prefer to listen to information.
When the option to generate a short audio summary appears for a user's query, it can take about forty seconds to create the audio content after being selected.
The summary is presented in a simple audio player with play and pause buttons, a volume control, and an option to adjust playback speed.
Audio Overviews are delivered in a conversational style between two AI-generated voices, similar to a short podcast episode.
Furthermore, the audio player displays links to the websites from which the information was sourced, allowing users to click through and delve deeper into the search results.
Google also provides users with the ability to rate each audio summary with a thumbs up or thumbs down.
Currently, the feature is available for testing in English in the United States on both mobile and desktop devices.
The move follows Google's introduction of a similar feature in its AI-powered research and note-taking assistant, NotebookLM, and in the Gemini app last March.
Audio Overviews serve as a complement to the text-based "AI Overviews" that Google already displays for some search queries.
Also learn about: Creating podcasts in +50 languages using Audio Overviews.
