Google is testing Audio Overviews, a feature that generates short, AI-powered audio summaries of search results. Audio Overviews enable users to hear AI-generated voice clips that summarize information based on their query. It introduces a new podcast-like experience in how people engage with Search. The pilot is now available in Google Labs and open to users in the U.S. 

How Audio Overviews work in Google Search

When users enter a search query, they may see a new button labeled “Generate Audio Overview” just below the “People also ask” section. Clicking the button triggers the system to create a short spoken summary of the search topic directly within the search results page. The audio clip appears in a mini player where users can control playback speed, pause, or mute the clip.

According to Google, the clips are powered by its Gemini models. Its systems decide when an audio version might be helpful. If it is, the player appears automatically, producing conversational summaries of the information shown on the search results page.

The goal is to give users a quick voice-based breakdown of what they are looking for while keeping related links and full web pages accessible. Google also shows a panel of related web pages next to the audio player. Users will have the option to explore more topics without having to leave the current screen.

Google’s evolving AI Search strategy

Audio Overviews is part of Google’s Search AI expansion. The company is experimenting with search formats that go beyond blue links. Audio Overviews continue the trend seen with AI Overviews, which generate direct summaries of topics at the top of search results. 

The company recently added short video clips to AI Overviews. This enables users to see clickable videos within AI summaries when they search. Google has also included added clickable links within the AI summaries.

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