Google has launched a new artificial intelligence feature for Google Docs that converts written documents into concise, spoken-word audio summaries using a variety of human-like voices. Named Audio Summaries, the feature was announced on Thursday alongside other updates to Google Workspace designed to help users complete tasks more efficiently through machine learning. Currently, the tool is available only to paid subscribers and select individual accounts as part of Google’s effort to streamline productivity tools.
Audio Summaries for Google Docs
According to a Workspace blog post, Audio Summaries leverage Gemini to provide short, natural-language summaries of lengthy documents or reports. Unlike standard text-to-speech systems, these audio summaries are designed to quickly convey the core content in a few minutes, allowing users to catch up while managing other tasks.
The feature is similar to Audio Overviews, previously introduced with NotebookLM and later integrated into the Gemini app. Like those summaries, Google’s Audio Summaries focus solely on the content of the document, avoiding unrelated information.
Customisation and Controls
Google offers multiple ways to personalise the listening experience:
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Various voice styles such as narrator, persuader, and coach
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Adjustable playback speed
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Seek controls to skip forward or backward
For organisational users, Google currently does not provide admin-level controls to manage Audio Summaries.
Availability
The feature is being rolled out to paid subscribers, including Business Standard and Plus, Enterprise Standard and Plus, Google AI Ultra for Business, Google AI Pro for Education, and select individual Google AI Pro and Ultra plans.