Audio Overviews playback feature introduced by Gemini app on Android and iOS platforms
The Gemini app has recently undergone an update, introducing a new and improved native Audio Overviews player on Android and iOS, as of July 24, 2025[1][2][3]. This update focuses on enhancing the user experience by making podcast summary playback more seamless and intuitive within the app itself.
Key features of this update include:
- In-app audio playback: The previous experience of opening audio files in browser tabs or external apps has been replaced with an integrated, inline player within the Gemini app[2].
- Playback controls: Users now have easy access to play/pause, rewind, and skip 10 seconds buttons for navigation[2][3].
- Playback speed options: Users can adjust the speed of the audio to 0.5x, 0.75x, 1x, 1.25x, 1.5x, 1.75x, or 2x, catering to different listening preferences[2].
- Download button: Users can save the audio if desired from within the player interface[2].
- Timeline and scrubber: A visual progress bar helps users navigate the audio easily[2].
- System media player integration: On Android, the notification area now features the Gemini icon and quick controls for rewind/skip, enhancing multitasking[2].
- Podcast labeling: Audio Overviews are presented with a podcast name and a "Gemini Audio Overview" badge, clarifying the content[2].
This update corresponds with version 16.27 of the Google app on Android and a matching iOS update, both rolling out simultaneously to improve the listening experience for Gemini users[1][2].
The latest update also introduces a native player in the Gemini web app, which is starting to roll out a homepage redesign[3]. Furthermore, the Google Gemini app is now widely available on Wear OS[4].
It's important to note that this update does not mention any changes to the interface colour, the playback speed options, timeline and scrubber, rewind and skip 10 seconds flanks, or the download button in the web app or Wear OS versions of the Audio Overviews[1][2].
The iOS update also allows for in-app playback of created podcasts in the Gemini app[5]. The download button is located at the right side of the interface[6]. The update is available with version 16.27 (stable) of the Google app on Android[7].
This update reflects Google's ongoing strategy to embed conversational and multimedia AI experiences more deeply into their products, making dense information more accessible through natural podcast-style audio summaries[1].
[1] https://www.gemini.google.com/blog/post/gemini-audio-overviews-update [2] https://www.gemini.google.com/help/audio-overviews [3] https://www.gemini.google.com/webapp/ [4] https://developer.android.com/wear/apps/wear-os-extensions/gemini-app [5] https://www.gemini.google.com/ios/ [6] https://www.gemini.google.com/ios/help/ [7] https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.gemini&hl=en_US&gl=US
- Enhancing the user experience on smartphones, the new Audio Overviews player in the Gemini app now offers in-app audio playback, playback controls, adjustable playback speed options, and a download button, making it easier for users to navigate, save, and listen to podcast summaries.
- As technology advances, the Gemini app continues to evolve with the introduction of the latest update, which not only includes a native Audio Overviews player for Android and iOS devices but also offers smartphone users features like a timeline and scrubber, system media player integration, and podcast labeling, enriching the listening experience for Gemini users on the go.
