Google has expanded the capabilities of Google Docs with a new audio summary feature powered by Gemini, aiming to help users save time and absorb key information more efficiently.
Building on the earlier text to speech functionality introduced last year, this update allows documents to be summarized into natural sounding spoken audio. The result feels closer to listening to a short podcast rather than having an entire document read aloud.
Turn Documents Into Short Audio Summaries
The new feature analyzes the full content of a document, including information across different tabs, and generates a concise spoken summary. In most cases, the audio recap lasts around two to three minutes, making it ideal for quickly understanding key points before meetings or while multitasking.
Instead of scanning long documents manually, users can now listen and stay informed with minimal effort.
How to Use the Feature
The audio summary option is available directly within Google Docs on the web. Users can access it by opening the Tools menu and selecting Audio, where a new option called Listen to document summary appears alongside the existing listen feature.
Playback controls allow users to adjust listening speed from 0.5x up to 2x, giving flexibility based on personal preference and time constraints.
Multiple Voice Styles Powered by Gemini
One of the standout additions is the ability to choose different narration styles. Users can select from tones such as Narrator, Persuader, or Coach, allowing the audio summary to better match the context of the document.
This flexibility makes the feature useful across business reports, educational materials, and persuasive content alike.
Availability and Supported Plans
At launch, the audio summary feature is rolling out to select Google Workspace tiers, including Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, and Enterprise Plus. It is also available to users subscribed to Google AI Ultra for business and Google AI Pro for education.
Pricing for Google Workspace Business Standard starts at approximately $15 USD per user per month with annual billing, while Business Plus is priced around $24 USD per user per month. These plans continue to gain additional AI driven features throughout 2026.
Gradual Rollout on Web First
Google confirmed that the feature will roll out gradually over the coming weeks, initially focusing on the web version of Google Docs. Users with eligible plans are encouraged to check the Tools menu to see if the option has appeared in their workspace.
A Step Toward Faster Information Consumption
With Gemini powered audio summaries, Google is pushing document productivity toward a more flexible, hands free experience. For professionals handling large volumes of text daily, this update represents a meaningful shift in how written information can be consumed quickly and efficiently.
