Google is testing a feature that turns search results into an AI Podcast

This new "Audio Overview" feature is currently available through Google Labs.

Illustration: Tech Bird

In a rapidly evolving AI landscape, Google Search is once again innovating, now introducing an exciting new feature: AI-generated audio overviews of search results. We're on the cusp of a significant paradigm shift where traditional search results may soon transform into AI podcasts, prominently appearing on the first page of mobile search. This groundbreaking feature is currently in its testing phase, signaling a dynamic future for how users consume information.

The Dawn of Google's AI Audio Overview

Following the successful rollout of AI Overviews, Google is set to introduce another artificial intelligence feature poised to redefine the future of SEO and how results are presented in search. The company recently unveiled this update through an official announcement, dubbing the new capability "Audio Overview." This innovative tool allows users to generate an AI podcast tailored to their specific search queries.

A new section will appear when you click the "Generate Overview" option, providing a concise audio summary of your dedicated search query. While this feature feels fresh, we did get a glimpse of similar functionality just a few months ago within Google Gemini and Notebook LLMs, where users could already generate AI podcasts featuring two distinct voices. This prior experimentation highlights Google's ongoing commitment to integrating advanced AI into its core products.

Accessing the AI Podcast Feature in Google Search

New Audio Overview in mobile Google Search displaying an AI-generated podcast summary for a search query. Image: Google

To experience the new Audio Overview feature within Google Search results, users simply need to enable Google Labs and then perform any search query. Google provided a clear mobile demonstration, showcasing a search for "How do noise cancellation headphones work?" Under the familiar "People also ask" section, a new "Audio Overview" option emerges. From there, users can conveniently pause and play the generated overview. As this feature is still under active development, Google encourages user feedback: "You can give a thumbs up/down on each discussion, and the experiment as a whole in Labs." This feedback mechanism is crucial for refining the user experience.

Google Gemini Powers the New AI Audio Experience

This groundbreaking Audio Overview feature is, as expected, powered by Google Gemini, the company's most advanced real AI model. Gemini continues to revolutionize the AI landscape with its robust powerhouse models, including Google Flow, the innovative "Try on" feature for clothing, and Imagen 4. The integration of Gemini into this new AI audio feature is set to profoundly change how search results are consumed, delivering relevant information in an audio format directly within the query section.

As this feature is exclusively available through Google Labs at present, we will promptly inform you when it becomes broadly accessible. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting development in AI-powered search.