🎧 Listen to Your Documents - Google Drive Gets "Podcast Feature" for PDFs
- Hannes Hård af Segerstad
- Jan 7
- 2 min read
TL;DR: Google is now launching Audio Overviews directly in Google Drive. With the help of Gemini, you can turn heavy PDF files into engaging audio summaries with a single click. Instead of a robotic voice, you get a conversational discussion between two AI hosts going through the key points. Perfect for those who want to "read" reports in the car or at the gym. The feature is rolling out now to customers with select Workspace licenses.
From Wall of Text to Headphones
We often drown in documents. Reports, white papers, and long contracts that must be read but take time away from other things. Reading on a screen is straining, and finding time for deep reading in a calendar full of meetings is a challenge.
Google has taken the incredibly popular feature from NotebookLM and built it directly into where you keep your files.
How It Works
It is super simple. Next time you open a PDF in Google Drive on the web, you will see a new button.
🖱️ One click is enough: Click on "Generate Audio Overview" (or the corresponding icon) in the menu.
🎙️ Your own podcast: Gemini creates an audio file where two AI voices discuss the content of your document. It is not just reading aloud, but a summarizing dialogue that highlights the core points and connections.
📂 Saved automatically: The audio file ends up in a new folder called "Audio Overviews" in your Drive, so you can listen to it from your mobile when you are on the go.
Why Is This a Game-Changer?
It is about making information available when you actually have time to absorb it.
More efficient multitasking: Listen to the quarterly report while commuting to work or walking the dog.
Better preparation: Get a quick overview of a document 10 minutes before the meeting starts.
Accessibility: A fantastic tool for those who prefer listening over reading long texts.
Note: At launch, the feature only works on English documents.
Who Gets Access?
The feature is rolling out to customers with the following licenses:
Business: Standard and Plus
Enterprise: Standard and Plus
Essentials: Enterprise Essentials and Enterprise Essentials Plus
AI Add-ons: Customers with Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, or Education Premium.
Do you want to know how you can use AI to free up time and work smarter in your organization? We at Adapty help you with everything from licenses to training.
📧 Contact us at sales@adapty.se
🌐 Visit us at www.adapty.se
