Key Insights
- Google is launching a Search Labs trial that introduces Audio Overviews to its search functionality.
- Participants will have the option to generate audio summaries for queries that can be effectively communicated orally by the AI.
- Gemini will create a conversational audio format for complex topics, providing insights into its sources.
- Audio Overviews made their debut in NotebookLM in September 2024.
This Friday (June 13), Google is initiating a test aimed at integrating another app’s feature into its Search platform.
In a post on Keyword, Google announced the start of a Labs test for selected participants to experience Audio Overviews in Search. The company suggests that this new type of overview will utilize the latest Gemini models to deliver “quick, conversational” results for specific queries. Google believes that this feature, currently in testing, could enhance user understanding of information with greater ease.
Upon searching, users will see the option for Audio Overviews, provided it’s available for their query. The post mentions that testers will spot a “generate” button when this feature is applicable.
If you choose to enable it, Audio Overviews will be found in their own designated section within your search results. Labeled as a “Search Labs” experience, the overview will clarify what it offers. For example, users might see a prompt like “Listen to…” followed by the topic they’ve searched for, such as noise cancellation in headphones.
Next, users will encounter the Audio Overview, which includes a play button and the duration of the AI’s spoken content on the topic. Similar to conventional AI Overviews in Search, users will be provided with citations indicating the sources of the model’s information, including a small label displaying the number of websites and a horizontally scrollable carousel of those sources.
Integrating the Google AI Experience
As this is a Labs test, Google encourages participants to share feedback using the thumbs-up and thumbs-down options. If interested, users can join the Search Labs experience to start utilizing it today (June 13).
Google’s AI Overviews have progressed significantly; however, this new alternative resembles what was previously offered in NotebookLM. In September, Google introduced Audio Overviews in NotebookLM, a research-oriented application that facilitates deeper exploration of topics for improved understanding. This app utilized two AI “co-hosts” to create a conversational, podcast-like format.
One major distinction here is that NotebookLM’s version relies on information contained within your documents. The AI strives to condense this information to facilitate better comprehension. Users can also direct the AI towards specific themes and even pose queries.
In contrast, Google’s version in this Search test appears to limit the AI to providing its best condensed information for users. While there is the potential for the company to incorporate features from NotebookLM into Search, this remains speculative at this juncture.