Google is introducing a new feature in Google Docs called Audio Summaries, powered by Gemini, allowing users to listen to a short AI-generated summary of long documents instead of reading or listening to the entire content.
According to Google Workspace Updates, the Audio Summaries feature is designed to help users quickly grasp the content of lengthy documents. This is part of Google’s ongoing effort to integrate Gemini features across its Workspace applications. The rollout of Audio Summaries is currently limited to specific paid tiers, including Business Standard and Plus, Enterprise Standard and Plus, and certain Gemini add-ons such as Google AI Ultra for Business, Google AI Pro for Education, and the Google AI Pro and Ultra plans.
Users who have access to the feature can find it under the “Tools” menu in Google Docs, specifically at Tools → Audio → “Listen to document summary.” This feature allows users to choose from different voices, such as Narrator, Educator, or Teacher, and adjust the playback speed according to their preference. Additionally, there is an option to listen to the full document audio instead of the AI-generated summary, labeled as “Listen to this tab.”
The Audio Summaries feature was initially spotted during testing last year. Google is now rolling out this feature to eligible users, although the availability is expected to be gradual. Users who do not see the new Audio menu immediately may need to wait a few weeks as the rollout expands to more accounts.
