Google has introduced a new feature in its Google News app that caters to those who prefer listening to news rather than reading it. The audio briefing feature is now rolling out to users, offering an alternative way to consume headlines while on the go.
The Google News audio briefing is available on both Android and iOS devices with app version 6.5 or higher. The feature relies on improved Gemini voices and includes emotion detection to make listening to headlines more engaging. Users can access the audio briefing through a dedicated interface in the app, with a “Listen” tab at the bottom that opens an audio player offering a Google News Audio briefing.
The audio player interface is user-friendly, with controls for play, pause, skip forward (30 seconds), and skip backward (15 seconds). Users can also adjust the playback speed from 0.75x to 2x, allowing them to listen to the audio at their preferred pace. The card above the player provides clear attribution and direct links to the full articles for those who prefer reading.
While the audio briefing feature is a welcome addition for users who enjoy listening to news, it is not yet available everywhere. Access to the feature depends on the user’s settings, and those outside supported regions can still access it by changing their “Language & regions of interest” settings to the United States. Google has not provided a timeline for when the feature will be available globally, but for now, it is a US-focused test that users can access by making some adjustments to their settings.
In addition to the audio briefing feature, Google already offers summaries, AI-generated overviews, and conversational tools in Search and Gemini. The introduction of the audio briefing feature adds another dimension to Google’s news delivery, catering to users who prefer to listen rather than read.
Overall, the new audio briefing feature in the Google News app provides a convenient and engaging way for users to stay informed while on the move. With its user-friendly interface and customizable playback options, the feature enhances the news consumption experience for those who prefer audio content. Stay tuned for more updates on the availability of the feature globally as Google continues to test and refine this new addition to its news app.