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Google introduces natural language customization for Discover feed and News audio briefings

🔄 Updated 1h ago
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Key points

  • Discover feed customization uses natural language prompts.
  • Users can specify topics to see more or less of in Discover.
  • Google News audio briefings can be customized by topic.
  • Publishers can embed a "Preferred Sources" button.

Enhanced Customization for Discover Feed

Google is introducing a new feature that allows users to customize their Discover feed through a prompt-based interface. This enables users to describe, in their own words, the exact topics or links they wish to see more or less of. Google may also ask follow-up questions to further refine the content presented.

The Discover feed, which appears on the Google or Chrome app on Android phones, is algorithm-based, influenced by search terms, visited pages, and YouTube activity. Previously, customization options were limited to actions like indicating disinterest in content or blocking publishers. The new natural language control offers more granular influence over the algorithm-driven feed.

Tailored Google News Audio Briefings

In addition to Discover, Google News will now allow users to customize their daily audio briefings. Users can select specific topics from categories such as Headlines, Business, Entertainment & lifestyle, Sports, and Science & technology. Within each main category, more granular selections are available; for example, the Entertainment category includes options like Arts & Design, Movies, Music, Theater, and TV.

New Tool for Publishers

Google is also providing publishers with an interactive "Preferred Sources" button. This button can be embedded by publishers to help readers add their publication as a preferred source within Google Search, aiming to assist publishers in retaining their readership.

Availability

Testing for these features began last year, and the updates are now rolling out to users in the coming days. Users can access the Discover customization by tapping the three-dot overflow button or a dedicated card within their feed.

✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →

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Primary sources

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How outlets covered it

Google is rolling out a new feature for its Discover feed that allows users to customize content using natural language commands. This update provides more granular control over the algorithm-driven feed, letting users specify topics to see or skip.

Google is introducing updates that allow users to customize their Discover feed using prompt-based input and tailor their Google News daily audio briefings by selecting specific topics. Additionally, publishers can now embed a "Preferred Sources" button to help readers add their publication as a preferred source in Google Search. These changes aim to give users more control over the content they receive and provide publishers with a tool to retain readers.