Google Docs Is Adding NotebookLM-Style Audio Overviews That Turn Your Writing Into A Podcast
Summary
- Google is expanding AI features in Workspace, building on previous Gemini integrations.
- New features for Docs include AI-powered audio capabilities, allowing users to listen to documents in standard or podcast-like formats, and “Help me refine,” an AI tool offering suggestions to improve writing clarity and structure.
- These upcoming features, initially rolling out to Gemini Alpha program customers, aim to enhance productivity within the Workspace suite, with other applications like Sheets, Vids, Meet, and Chat also receiving updates.
Google introduced a trove of AI features to its suite of Workspace apps last year, and the tech giant seems to be doubling down now, with several new features announced today at Google Cloud Next expected to arrive for Workspace users in the near future.
Google Docs, for example, uses Gemini to not only write new text, but even rewrite existing documents, paired with options to set tone, summarize, bulletize, shorten, and rephrase content.
The Gemini side panel, on the other hand, can help you generate ideas, create quick drafts, use building blocks, and more.
Related
What is Gemini for Google Workspace?
Google’s answer to Microsoft Copilot
In mid-March, NotebookLM’s Audio Overviews found a new home within Gemini, and the feature’s next destination is now confirmed to be Google Docs.
Google has announced that Workspace users will soon be able to generate podcast-like spoken dialogue overviews of their documents, helping those that need a little bit of auditory context to understand and process information.
“Inspired by the popularity of audio overviews in NotebookLM, we’re bringing audio capabilities directly into Google Docs.
Rolling out to Gemini Alpha program customers “in the coming weeks,” the feature should allow you to generate a vanilla audio version of your document, which narrates it as written, or a podcast-like version where important sections are highlighted and emphasized in a discussion format.
Help me Refine in Docs
In addition to Help me Write, Workspace Google Docs users that are in the Gemini Alpha program will also be able to use Help me Refine, a new AI-powered tool that, as its name suggests, can help users polish text.
Google describes using the tool as having a writing coach by your side — instead of rewriting sentences for you, it helps by offering “thoughtful suggestions on how to strengthen your argument,” paired with suggestions to enhance the structure of your text, help make key points come across easier.
The goal isn’t just to fix the document, but to help you become a more effective communicator over time.
In addition to enhancements for Google Docs, the tech giant also unveiled several new features for Sheets, Vids, Meet, and even Chat.
