Google is currently testing innovative features within its Discover feed on both Android and iOS platforms. These enhancements include AI-generated article summaries and a more accessible bookmarking system, aiming to provide users with concise information and streamlined content management.
AI-Generated Summaries in Discover Feed
The new AI-generated summaries in Google Discover are designed to offer users a brief overview of news stories by aggregating information from multiple sources. This approach allows users to quickly grasp the essence of a story without delving into each individual article.
In this updated format, Discover cards display overlapping icons representing the various sources used to compile the summary. Tapping on these icons reveals a More page listing all contributing articles. Each card presents a concise three-line summary, accompanied by a See more button for expanded information. A disclaimer at the bottom notes that the content is Generated with AI, which can make mistakes, similar to Google’s AI Overviews in Search. ([business-standard.com](https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/google-discover-tests-ai-summaries-and-new-bookmark-features-reports-125071500390_1.html?utm_source=openai))
Visually, the card retains the main image from the first article, with the headline prominently displayed. The source name has been minimized in size, shifting attention to the AI-generated summary to help users quickly grasp the essence of the story. ([business-standard.com](https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/google-discover-tests-ai-summaries-and-new-bookmark-features-reports-125071500390_1.html?utm_source=openai))
For users, this could mean faster access to key story details without needing to open each link. However, it may also impact traffic to original news sites, as users might skip visiting full articles if they feel sufficiently informed by the summaries. ([business-standard.com](https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/google-discover-tests-ai-summaries-and-new-bookmark-features-reports-125071500390_1.html?utm_source=openai))
Enhanced Bookmarking Feature
In addition to AI summaries, Google is testing an improved bookmarking feature within the Discover feed. A new Save icon is placed directly on the Discover card between the heart and overflow menu, allowing users to bookmark articles with simple taps. Bookmarked content appears in the Activity tab of the Google app. ([business-standard.com](https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/google-discover-tests-ai-summaries-and-new-bookmark-features-reports-125071500390_1.html?utm_source=openai))
This enhancement simplifies the process of saving articles for later reading, making content management more efficient. Previously, users had to navigate through multiple steps to save an article; the new placement of the Save icon streamlines this process.
Implications for Publishers and Users
While these features aim to enhance user experience by providing quick access to information and easier content management, they also raise concerns among publishers. The introduction of AI-generated summaries may lead to a decrease in direct traffic to news websites, as users might rely on the summaries instead of clicking through to the full articles. This shift could impact ad revenues and reader engagement for content creators.
Moreover, the accuracy of AI-generated content remains a critical consideration. Despite disclaimers about potential inaccuracies, users may still encounter misleading or incorrect information, underscoring the importance of verifying details from original sources.
Conclusion
Google’s testing of AI-generated summaries and enhanced bookmarking in the Discover feed represents a significant step in integrating artificial intelligence into content curation and management. While these features offer convenience and efficiency for users, they also present challenges for publishers and raise questions about content accuracy. As these features are still in the testing phase, their broader impact on the digital information landscape remains to be seen.
