Podcasts can now be created from Google Docs using Gemini
Were you hoping for two AI-generated podcast hosts to chat about your report before you hand it off to your boss? Most likely not, yet Google is still providing it to you. The company has revealed a fresh batch of Gemini-powered updates heading to its Workspace apps, and among the most intriguing is a feature that turns your Google Docs into podcasts hosted by AI, similar to what users observed in NotebookLM.
Gemini, Google’s AI suite, is at the center of this wave of new capabilities, which also affects other Workspace tools. From AI that can offer real-time editing tips in Docs to advanced spreadsheet analysis in Sheets, the updates aim to make productivity smarter and more interactive.
Arguably the most surreal addition is the AI podcast capability. Originally introduced in NotebookLM and currently usable in the Gemini app via file uploads, this tool is now on its way to Docs. Users will soon be able to generate audio overviews of their documents or have the content read back to them. Admittedly, hearing your work read aloud can be very handy—but after generating one of these AI podcast-style summaries from an article, the experience might not be one you’ll want to repeat often.
A “Help me refine” function is another upcoming addition to Docs. Rather than rewriting your content for you, it will highlight suggestions via comments, offering editorial insights on how to improve clarity and tighten your draft. For anyone lacking access to a human editor, this AI-based support could be surprisingly beneficial. This particular feature is expected to roll out later in the quarter.
As for Sheets, Google is teasing a broader set of capabilities for Gemini that go beyond simple chart generation. A new tool called “Help me analyze” is slated to arrive later this year. It promises to assist users in spotting trends and offering high-level guidance, acting almost like an AI-powered data consultant. Though still in the pipeline, the feature aims to enhance how we interpret and act on data within spreadsheets.
So, whether or not you wanted AI-generated podcast banter in your workflow, it looks like it’s becoming part of the Google Workspace experience-ready or not.
