Google’s New AI Feature Turns Search Results Into Podcasts

Auditory learners rejoice: Google has introduced an experimental new feature that turns some search results into AI-generated podcasts. The feature is called Audio Overview, and it can only be accessed by opting in on Google’s Search Labs page. According to Google, Audio Overview allows users to “listen to a concise conversation generated with AI, providing a preview of information from the top search results in response to your query, with links out to the web to explore more.” Audio Overview is powered by Gemini, Google’s family of AI models, and functions similarly to NotebookLM, Google’s popular app that enables users to upload documents in order to generate a podcast conversation between two AI-powered voices. These artificial voices summarize and discuss the uploaded material, and can be directed to structure their conversation in specific formats, such as an audio FAQ or as a study guide. Google advertises NotebookLM as “your personalized AI research assistant.” With Audio Overview, users don’t need to upload documents to NotebookLM in order to generate a podcast. When you type a question into the Google search bar, a widget may appear in the results asking if you’d like to generate an Audio Overview. According to Google, the Audio Overview feature will activate when Google’s systems “determine it might be useful.” When asked “how are small businesses using AI,” the Audio Overview generated a five-minute podcast in which the two AI voices discussed AI’s ability to help people generate content, analyze market trends, and create targeted advertising campaigns. Audio Overview also lists the websites it used to source its answer, so people can double-check its accuracy. Early users are encouraged to give feedback on the quality of the Audio Overviews as Google fine-tunes the feature. For entrepreneurs who do their best learning by listening to audiobooks and podcasts, or who spend a lot of time traveling, Audio Overview could be a useful tool for researching and studying a subject while multitasking. To activate Audio Overview, users will need to navigate to Google’s Search Labs page, where the company keeps its experimental new search features, and turn the Audio Overview experience on. Google says the feature is currently only available with English-speaking voices and only accessible in the United States. BY BEN SHERRY @BENLUCASSHERRY