Google has added audio playback to some of its Google Knol articles; this page on Echocardiography is an example. Clicking on the “Listen” link in the upper right displays an audio player with surprisingly clear sound. Google Operating System recently pointed to more information on an Audio Knol help page:

We are experimenting with Audio Playback as an option for some knols, starting with a handful of English language featured knols. You can listen using our Flash player, or by downloading an mp3 file and using any mp3 player.

The page says additional languages may be added if the experiment is successful.

YouTube, Too

Google has also added an Audio Preview button to YouTube that lets people hear audio of their own comments before posting it.

Matt Cutts confirmed suspicions that this “feature” was a playful response to a recent xkcd cartoon.

But it begs the question: Where else can Google add audio across its properties? Is there a chance we’ll someday see audio playback

• of search results?
• of AdWords ads? (“click to hear this ad”?)
• in Gmail?
• of reviews on Google Maps?
• of web pages viewed in Google Chrome?
• in Google Reader?
• in Google Docs?

If these audio experiments on sites like Knol are successful, wouldn’t Google try the same on other products?

Related Topics: Channel: Video | Google: Knol | Google: YouTube & Video | Top News

About The Author: Matt McGee is Editor-In-Chief of Search Engine Land. His news career includes time spent in TV, radio, and print journalism. His web career continues to include a small number of SEO and social media consulting clients, as well as regular speaking engagements at marketing events around the U.S. He blogs at Small Business Search Marketing and can be found on Twitter at @MattMcGee and/or on Google Plus. You can read Matt's disclosures on his personal blog. See more articles by Matt McGee

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