Android Authority has reported on the gradual rollout of a new feature from Google, which is not yet universally accessible. This phased approach to feature deployment is characteristic of Google, as they often introduce updates in batches. The Audio Overviews feature initially garnered attention when it was launched in NotebookLM months ago, showcasing two AI-generated hosts that presented information in an engaging and entertaining manner.
Following its initial success, Google has expanded the availability of this feature to Google Docs, and recent reports indicate that it is now accessible in the latest stable version of the Chrome app for Android (version 140.0.7339.124). Unfortunately, I have yet to experience this update firsthand, as it has not reached my Chrome app at this time.
Turning websites into AI podcasts
Similar to the Audio Overview feature in NotebookLM, this new functionality allows users to transform nearly any online written text into a dialogue between two AI speakers. Within Chrome, this feature is conveniently located alongside the standard Listen to this page settings. To utilize the podcast option, simply navigate to the desired webpage and access the three-dot menu for additional settings. Depending on your device, this menu may be positioned at either the top right or bottom right of your screen.
Once in the settings, locate the Listen to this page option and tap on it. If you have the audio overviews enabled in the app, a new icon resembling NotebookLM’s audio function key—depicted as a series of lines mimicking sound waves—will appear in the bottom left corner. By tapping this button, the AI will generate a podcast based on the content of the current page, offering a novel way to engage with online material.
Originally debuting in NotebookLM, Audio Overviews have seen a gradual expansion in their availability, even making their way to Gemini previously. With this latest integration into Chrome, users can now enjoy AI-generated audio podcasts across an even broader spectrum of platforms. In addition, Google has been actively updating NotebookLM in recent months, implementing significant changes that have resulted in some frequently used features being relocated behind additional steps.
