What you need to know
Google Drive is introducing an innovative feature designed to streamline the way users interact with lengthy documents. A newly added button in the toolbar allows users to generate concise summaries of their files, which can be played instantly through the Gemini side panel or accessed later from a dedicated “Audio overviews” folder.
- The feature produces quick summaries ranging from two to ten minutes, capturing the essential points of your documents and eliminating the need for extensive reading.
- Currently, this functionality is available exclusively in English and is being rolled out to select paid Workspace tiers.
This update, referred to as audio overviews, leverages the capabilities of Gemini to transform long PDFs into engaging spoken summaries. Users can now open a PDF in Google Drive on the web and simply click the new “Audio Overview” button in the toolbar. The system will efficiently process the document and summarize its key points for easy listening.
Alternatively, users can retrieve the audio files later from the “Audio overviews” folder within their Drive. Most summaries will vary in length based on the complexity of the document, providing a quick and accessible way to grasp the content without the need to read through every page.
Perfect for multitasking or accessibility
This feature is particularly beneficial in situations where reading may not be feasible, making it a significant advancement in accessibility. It caters to users who prefer auditory learning or those who find it challenging to read lengthy documents on a screen.
At present, audio overviews are limited to the English language and are available solely on the web version of Google Drive, where they are enabled by default. The rollout is targeted at specific Google Workspace and Google One tiers, including Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Google One AI Premium, AI Ultra, and AI Ultra for Business.
As is customary with such updates, the rollout will not occur simultaneously across all domains. Users on Rapid Release domains will be the first to access this feature, while those on Scheduled Release domains can expect it to begin appearing from November 12, 2025, with a potential delay of up to 15 days for full availability.
It’s important to note that while audio overviews are not intended to replace comprehensive reading, they provide a practical solution for quickly grasping the main ideas of reports or research papers. For those with a collection of untouched PDFs in their Drive, this update may finally offer a more manageable way to stay informed and catch up on essential content.
