A Hands-Free Way to Learn with AI
Google has begun testing a new Audio Overview feature in Search, offering a fresh and accessible way for users to absorb information. This experimental tool, announced on June 13, 2025, utilizes Google’s Gemini AI models to create short audio summaries of certain search queries, delivering a more engaging, hands-free experience.
The feature, which originally launched in NotebookLM—Google’s AI-driven note-taking tool—aims to support users who are auditory learners, multitaskers, or those seeking more accessible content consumption.
Available via Google Labs
The new feature is now live in Google Labs, the company’s platform for testing experimental features. For applicable queries, users will notice an option to generate an Audio Overview, presented alongside a basic audio player. The interface includes play/pause buttons, volume control, and adjustable playback speed.
In each audio result, Google provides source links so listeners can explore the original content in more depth after listening.
Interactivity and Feedback Encouraged
Google has added a feedback mechanism—users can thumbs up or down individual overviews or the feature as a whole. This input will likely help shape how the tool evolves during its experimental phase.
The integration also continues the trend of AI-enhanced search, building upon AI Overviews, which Google previously launched to generate text-based summaries of search results using Gemini AI.
Evolving from NotebookLM and Gemini
Audio Overviews were first seen in NotebookLM, where users could convert documents—like class readings or legal papers—into AI-narrated podcast-style summaries. The feature also made its way into the Gemini ecosystem earlier in 2025.
By expanding to Search, Google signals a broader push toward voice-powered discovery, which may become a norm in a future dominated by conversational and multimodal AI.
A Potential Disruption for Publishers
It’s worth noting that this move follows growing criticism of Google’s AI efforts. A Wall Street Journal report recently highlighted how AI Overviews are diverting traffic away from publishers, raising concerns over visibility and content monetization for news websites.
Final Thoughts
Google’s Audio Overviews are an innovative step in making information more digestible and inclusive, but they also represent a shift that could reshape how we engage with web content. Whether this enhances or hinders the open internet remains to be seen.
