Since Google introduced the Audio Overview feature to NotebookLM last year, users have been captivated by the ability to create custom AI-generated podcasts. Beyond NotebookLM, the feature is also available in the Gemini app and now, Google is bringing it to its Workspace suite, including Google Docs.
In a blog post shared earlier today, Google announced a range of new Gemini-powered features for its Workspace apps. The standout addition is AI Audio Overviews for Google Docs, allowing users to turn documents into podcasts. With this feature, Gemini will read text from your files and provide insights. Google says the feature will enter alpha testing in the coming weeks.
Google Docs is also gaining a new AI-powered feature called Help me refine, designed to suggest improvements that make your writing clearer and better structured. Personally, I see this as a great alternative to having Gemini fully rewrite your text it’s more about enhancing your communication rather than changing your voice. That said, this feature is expected to roll out later, with alpha testing planned for “later this quarter.”
In addition, Google has introduced Workspace Flows, a new AI tool for automating multi-step tasks like researching, analyzing, and generating content. Over in Google Sheets, a new Help me analyze feature is on the way, offering AI-driven insights and suggestions to help users make better sense of their spreadsheets.
Google has been going all-in on Gemini, weaving it into nearly every service and effectively phasing out Google Assistant. NotebookLM has emerged as a standout tool for many, with demand growing so much that a dedicated app is now in the works.
Are you excited about the idea of creating AI-generated podcasts directly in Google Docs? Or is there another feature you’re hoping to see next? Let us know in the comments below!
