Audio Overviews in Google Search: A New, Conversational Way to Get Info
New AI Search Test by Google Set to Simplify Complicated Subjects Expeditiously
Starting from June 13, Google is testing out Audio Overviews in its search engine, bringing a more audible and conversational experience for certain queries. Powered by the latest Gemini AI models, this new feature makes search results quicker, easier, and more interactive.
After a query, select search results will show a "Generate Audio Overview" button. If you choose to activate this option, you'll be treated to an audio summary of the results, complete with a play button and the estimated duration. These summaries are designed to fit nicely into yourSearch Labs experience, allowing for optimal information absorption.
While the tech behind Google's Audio Overviews resembles the functionality provided by NotebookLM, the key difference lies in the scope. NotebookLM's Audio Overviews focused on summarizing information contained within your personal documents, making it a more tailored learning experience with the ability to guide the AI toward specific talking points. In contrast, Google's version focuses on delivering condensed information about search queries in a conversational style.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to join the Search Labs experience and try Audio Overviews today! Remember: feedback is crucial for improving the feature, so make sure to provide your thoughts using the thumbs-up and thumbs-down buttons.
Keep an eye on Google's experiments as it's possible that more features from NotebookLM could also make their way into Google Search in the future. Stay tuned for updates!
A Brief History and Overview of Google's Audio Overviews
Origins: The concept of Audio Overviews was first introduced by Google's NotebookLM last year as a feature for users to listen to audio summaries generated from their notes or search queries. Recently, Google has expanded this technology to its search engine as part of its experimental features, powered by the Gemini AI models.
Current State: Currently, Audio Overviews are available through Google Labs, an experimental space where users can explore upcoming search capabilities. These summaries are limited to English for users in the United States. For supported queries, users can generate an audio summary by clicking the "Generate Audio Overview" button on the search results page. The audio is delivered in a conversational style, similar to a podcast, and includes elementary playback controls, like play and pause. Users can also rate these summaries to help Google improve the feature.
Although NotebookLM and Google Search's Audio Overviews both rely on AI technology, there are differences in their implementation. While NotebookLM is limited to users working with content within the tool, Google Search's Audio Overviews are targeted toward a wider audience interested in quick summaries of their search queries. Additionally, while the NotebookLM version focuses on utilizing the user's personal documents, the Google Search version offers an integrated experience, linking the audio summaries with web results for a more encompassing informational journey.
The new Audio Overviews in Google Search are powered by the latest Gemini AI models, demonstrating Google's implementation of artificial-intelligence technology for a more interactive and audible search experience. Notably, unlike Google's NotebookLM, which focused on summarizing personal documents and was designed for a more tailored learning experience, Google Search's Audio Overviews aim to deliver condensed information about search queries in a conversational style.
