Google integrates NotebookLM’s best feature into Search
▼ Summary
– NotebookLM’s Audio Overviews feature turns source material into podcast-style recaps with natural-sounding voices, now being tested on Google’s mobile Search front page.
– Audio Overviews use Gemini AI models for hands-free information consumption, currently a US-only Search Labs experiment in English with play/pause controls.
– The “Generate Audio Overview” button appears conditionally and is buried deep in search results, not prominently displayed.
– Creating an Audio Overview can take up to 40 seconds, longer for complex queries, and includes AI-generated hosts with source links for transparency.
– This feature represents Google’s move toward voice-first Search, benefiting visually impaired users, but remains experimental and not fully reliable yet.
Google is bringing its innovative audio summaries feature from NotebookLM directly to mobile Search, offering users a hands-free way to consume information. The tool, known for its natural-sounding podcast-style recaps, is now being tested as part of a US-only Search Labs experiment, leveraging the latest Gemini AI models to deliver concise audio overviews in English.
When enabled, users may spot a “Generate Audio Overview” button during certain searches. However, it’s not prominently placed, expect to scroll past AI Overviews, ads, and standard results before finding it. Tapping the button triggers a streamlined audio player with playback controls, adjustable speed, and volume settings. Google notes the feature won’t appear for every query, as it selectively determines when an audio recap would be useful.
Creating these summaries isn’t instantaneous. The process can take up to 40 seconds, with more complex searches potentially requiring additional time. The audio itself mimics NotebookLM’s engaging format, featuring two AI-generated hosts who discuss the topic conversationally. For transparency, Google includes links to some source materials beneath the player, allowing users to verify details.
This move signals Google’s broader shift toward voice-first search experiences, catering to multitaskers and users with visual impairments. While the feature adds convenience, it’s still in early testing, accuracy isn’t guaranteed, and it’s best used as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for full search results. For now, it’s a glimpse into how AI-powered audio could reshape the way we interact with information.
(Source: ANDROID POLICE)
