Google experiments with AI-generated podcast hosts in search results
Google is rolling out a new experiment in its Labs testing space — this time, it’s all about AI-generated Audio Overviews for search queries.
Powered by the latest Gemini models, the feature activates when you search for more complex or nuanced topics. Think "what’s the usefulness of the element Argon" rather than something simple like "what’s the weather today."
You’ll see a "Generate Audio Overview" button appear, and after a short wait, about 40 seconds according to Google, you’ll get a fully voiced summary. The audio pulls from top search results and delivers a conversational recap, featuring two voices that play off each other to make the experience more engaging.
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Users can tweak the playback speed, and the tool cites the webpages it pulls information from.
While this is the first time Audio Overviews are showing up in Search, the feature has already existed in Google’s NotebookLM, where it’s more advanced, letting users ask follow-up questions and dive deeper in real-time. For now, Audio Overviews in Search are available only as an opt-in experiment through Google Labs.
Chance Townsend is the General Assignments Editor at Mashable, covering tech, video games, dating apps, digital culture, and whatever else comes his way. He has a Master's in Journalism from the University of North Texas and is a proud orange cat father. His writing has also appeared in PC Mag and Mother Jones.
In his free time, he cooks, loves to sleep, and greatly enjoys Detroit sports. If you have any tips or want to talk shop about the Lions, you can reach out to him on Bluesky @offbrandchance.bsky.social or by email at [email protected].
