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Google Tests AI Podcast-Style Summaries in Search Results

The opt-in experiment in Google Labs uses Gemini AI to generate brief, source-cited audio recaps for U.S. English queries with adjustable playback.

Overview

  • Audio Overviews is currently limited to U.S. users who enable the feature in the Search Labs settings on mobile or desktop.
  • It produces 30- to 45-second conversational breakdowns voiced by two AI personas.
  • Listeners can adjust speed and volume, view the webpages cited in each summary, and provide thumbs up or down feedback on the audio.
  • Audio Overviews debuted last year in NotebookLM and the Gemini app before rolling out to Google Search as an experimental Labs feature.
  • While the tool offers hands-free learning and accessibility gains, experts warn it could spread inaccuracies and disrupt voice acting jobs.