Google has unveiled a new feature that turns online searches into conversations by using generative artificial intelligence for voice summaries of results.

With Audio Overviews, Gemini AI models quickly summarize search results in a conversational style.

"Audio summarization helps you navigate quickly, offering a convenient and hands-free way to digest information - whether you're busy with other tasks or just prefer an audio experience. We display helpful web pages directly in the audio player on the results page so you can easily drill down and learn more," the company explained.

Google is amplifying the capabilities of online search through generative artificial intelligence, despite concerns about its advertising business model.

CEO Sundar Pichai recently unveiled a new AI mode in Google's search engine. It goes beyond the existing AI Overviews, which show answers to questions from the company's AI over traditional blue links to websites and ads.

Since the launch of AI Overviews a little over a year ago, the feature is now used by over 1.5 billion users in several countries.

Google's push for generative AI comes in the context of increased competition with OpenAI's ChatGPT, which also integrates a search AI feature into its popular chatbot. | BGNES