Google Tests AI-Powered Personalized Podcast Feature
Google is currently experimenting with a new artificial intelligence-driven feature called “Daily Listen,” which creates personalized podcasts for users. The feature, available through Google’s Search Labs, is being tested with a select group of Android and iOS users in the United States.
Daily Listen utilizes users’ Search and Discover feed history to curate personalized content. The AI-powered system summarizes news articles into concise five-minute audio overviews, providing users with a quick and efficient way to stay informed on topics of interest.
The feature offers both text transcripts and audio controls, allowing users to interact with the content in their preferred format. Listeners can play, pause, mute, rewind, or skip stories as desired, enhancing the user experience and control over the content consumption.
Users can access Daily Listen through a personalized widget carousel located under the Search bar in the Google app. The interface includes a “Related stories” tab, enabling users to delve deeper into topics that pique their interest. Additionally, a feedback mechanism allows users to like or disapprove of stories using a thumbs up/down system, potentially improving future content recommendations.
While Google has not confirmed plans for a wider public rollout, the testing approach for Daily Listen mirrors that of Google’s AI Search Overviews. This suggests the possibility of the feature becoming a permanent addition to Google’s suite of services, though considerations for user opt-out options may be implemented.
As AI continues to shape the digital landscape, Google’s Daily Listen represents another step towards personalized, AI-driven content delivery. The tech giant’s ongoing experiments in this space underscore the growing importance of tailored user experiences in the evolving world of digital media consumption.