Google Tests AI-Powered Audio Overviews for Search Results

Mountain View, California — Google is testing a new feature called ‘Audio Overview’ that aims to enhance the way users interact with search results. Users who opt into this test will be able to generate short audio summaries based on their search queries.

This feature appears below the popular ‘People also ask’ module on the search results page. When a user searches for queries like, ‘How do noise cancellation headphones work?’, they will see a button that says, ‘Generate Audio Overview.’ Clicking this button takes up to 40 seconds to create a podcast-style audio discussion.

The Audio Overview will be presented in a small player embedded in the search results, allowing users to play, pause, mute, and adjust the playback speed of the generated clip. According to Google, the audio includes a back-and-forth conversation between two AI-generated hosts who discuss the query in detail.

Currently, this feature is only available in English and is in the testing phase for users in the United States. Google plans to allow users to generate these audio discussions not just from searches, but also from notes and other applications.

Google’s initiative is part of its broader effort to integrate artificial intelligence into its search functionality. The company has seen a 10% increase in usage of Google searches that display AI-generated content, indicating a positive reception among users.

However, the introduction of AI audio features has sparked concerns about the accuracy of information, with users expressing frustration over AI summaries that have spread misinformation. As Google continues to refine AI elements within its searching capabilities, including features like AI Overviews, it aims to strike a balance between user accessibility and reliable information.

The company has yet to finalize the rollout of the Audio Overview feature, leaving users curious about how it will develop in the future. Time will reveal whether this unique AI experience will become a staple in Google searches.