Google Tests Audio Overviews for Search
Google Introduces AI-Powered Audio Summaries in Search
Google is rolling out an innovative new feature called Audio Overviews for select search queries, marking another milestone in AI-powered search experiences. First developed for NotebookLM (Google’s AI research assistant), this voice-based feature now enters public testing through Google Labs.
How Audio Overviews Work
Powered by Google’s advanced Gemini AI models, Audio Overviews provide concise spoken summaries that help users quickly grasp complex topics. The feature automatically appears for relevant queries, offering:
- Hands-free information consumption
- Adjustable playback speed (0.5x-2.0x)
- Transparent source citations with clickable links
- Simple audio controls (play/pause/volume)
Google emphasizes this feature particularly benefits auditory learners and users who prefer multitasking-friendly information delivery.
The Evolution of AI Summaries
Audio Overviews build upon Google’s existing AI Overviews (text-based summaries), representing the company’s broader push into multimodal search experiences. The technology previously debuted in:
- NotebookLM: Generates AI “podcasts” from uploaded documents
- Gemini: Added audio summaries in March 2025
Feedback and Availability
As an experimental Labs feature, Google encourages users to rate Audio Overviews with thumbs up/down ratings. The rollout comes amid industry concerns about AI summaries potentially reducing publisher traffic – a tension highlighted by recent reports about AI Overviews’ impact on web traffic.