TL;DR
Google is rolling out a new feature enabling users to customize their Discovery feed through natural language prompts. This allows more precise control over the stories and topics they see, improving personalization. The update also includes enhancements to audio briefings and preferred source options.
Google is set to introduce a new feature that allows users to customize their Discovery feed using natural language prompts, giving more control over the news stories they see. This update aims to enhance personalization by enabling users to specify their interests directly within the app, a move that aligns with broader AI-driven customization trends. The feature is expected to roll out shortly, according to Google’s announcement.
According to Google, users will be able to tap the three-dot menu on any story within the app’s Discovery feed to access a new option labeled “What do you want to see.” This opens a window where users can enter prompts such as “show me kitchen renovation tips” or “focus on eco-friendly upgrades.” Google’s AI, Gemini, will then generate a list of relevant story types, which users can review and refine before refreshing their feed. The process allows multiple iterations, enabling users to fine-tune their content preferences without manually selecting sources or topics.
In addition to this feature, Google announced improvements to audio briefings in Google News, allowing users to specify topics and subtopics they want to hear about, such as neuroscience or space. Google is also rolling out a “Preferred Sources” button, enabling publishers to indicate preferred outlets, potentially influencing which articles appear more prominently in users’ feeds. These features are expected to be available in the upcoming days, expanding the app’s customization capabilities.
Tell Google What You Actually Want to See
Google is preparing natural-language controls for its Discovery feed, allowing people to describe the lifestyle stories, interests, and subtopics they want—then refine the results before refreshing their feed.
From story menu to a reshaped feed
The new workflow turns personalization into a short conversation. Instead of relying only on taps, follows, or hidden algorithmic signals, users can state what they want directly.
Open a story menu
Tap the three-dot control attached to a Discovery feed story.
Select the new option
Choose “What do you want to see” from the available controls.
Write a prompt
Describe a topic, angle, activity, or lifestyle interest naturally.
Review Gemini’s ideas
Inspect the relevant story types generated from the request.
Refine and refresh
Revise preferences repeatedly, then update the feed.
Specific requests create sharper signals
Useful prompts combine a clear subject with a preferred angle. The system can translate those requests into story categories that are easier to review and fine-tune.
Focus on practical projects
Narrow a broad home-improvement interest to the type of advice that matches an active project.
“Show me kitchen renovation tips.”Add a values-based angle
Guide the feed toward lifestyle coverage that reflects environmental priorities.
“Focus on eco-friendly upgrades.”Move from topic to subtopic
Use detailed interests such as neuroscience or space to shape audio briefings and story selection.
“Give me accessible neuroscience updates.”Three paths to personalization
The prompt feature is part of a wider customization push spanning the Discovery feed, Google News audio briefings, and source preferences.
| Feature | What users specify | Main benefit | Status and caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery prompts | Topics, interests, and preferred story angles | ✓Direct feed control | ~Rolling out soon |
| Audio briefings | Topics and subtopics to hear about | ✓More relevant listening | ~Availability may vary |
| Preferred Sources | Outlets users want surfaced more often | ✓Greater source influence | ✗No placement guarantee |
| Existing feedback | Individual likes, dislikes, and topic signals | ✓Quick corrections | ~Still remains available |
A more user-directed recommendation loop
Natural-language controls could make personalization more transparent, reduce information overload, and give people a faster way to correct an overly broad or repetitive feed.
How one sentence can influence discovery
The prompt is not the final result. It begins a chain in which Gemini interprets intent, suggests content categories, and gives the user another opportunity to adjust the outcome.
User request
A natural-language preference
AI interpretation
Gemini identifies intent
Story types
Relevant categories appear
User refinement
Preferences are adjusted
Feed refresh
Discovery results update
Rollout details are still emerging
The announcement establishes the direction, but real-world performance will depend on availability, interpretation quality, interface details, and how people choose to phrase their requests.
Will every device receive it immediately?
No universal launch is confirmed. Timing may differ by device, account, and region as deployment expands.
How accurately will Gemini interpret prompts?
The system’s handling of vague, complex, or conflicting requests will become clearer through real-world use.
Can preferences be refined more than once?
Yes. The described workflow allows repeated prompts and adjustments before the feed is refreshed.
Does Preferred Sources guarantee prominence?
No guarantee has been stated. The preference may influence which outlets appear more prominently.
Deploy, observe, refine
Google is expected to begin the rollout in the coming days, then monitor usage patterns and feedback. Early adoption may shape later improvements to prompt handling, AI responses, and the broader customization experience. Source reporting: Lifehacker.
Enhanced Personalization in News Consumption
This development marks a significant step toward more personalized news experiences, leveraging AI to respond to natural language commands. It could reduce information overload and help users access content aligned with their specific interests. For Google, this aligns with broader efforts to improve user engagement and satisfaction by offering more control over content curation, potentially impacting how news is consumed across platforms.
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Google’s Push Toward AI-Driven Content Customization
Google has been gradually integrating AI features into its services, aiming to make content discovery more intuitive. Past updates included algorithm improvements and expanded source options. The new natural language prompt feature builds on this trend, emphasizing user control and personalized content delivery. Similar features are emerging across tech platforms, reflecting a broader shift toward AI-assisted content curation.
“The ability to customize feeds through natural language prompts represents a meaningful step in making news consumption more user-centric.”
— an anonymous researcher
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Details on Implementation and User Adoption
While Google has announced the feature will roll out soon, it is not yet clear how widely available it will be initially or how users will adapt to the new prompts. The exact interface, potential limitations, and user feedback are still emerging, and it remains to be seen how effective the AI will be in interpreting diverse natural language inputs.
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Expected Rollout and User Feedback Collection
In the coming days, Google will begin deploying the feature to users globally. Following the rollout, Google is likely to monitor user feedback and usage patterns to refine the prompts and AI responses. Further updates or enhancements may follow based on early adoption and user engagement data.
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Key Questions
How will I access the new customization feature?
You will be able to tap the three-dot menu on any story in your Discovery feed to find the “What do you want to see” option, where you can enter your prompts.
Can I refine my feed multiple times?
Yes, you can repeatedly enter prompts and adjust your preferences before refreshing your feed, allowing for ongoing customization.
Will this feature be available on all devices?
Google has announced the rollout will begin soon, but availability may vary by device and region. Details will be clarified as the feature becomes more widely accessible.
Does this replace existing feedback options?
No, it complements existing feedback methods by providing a more natural way to specify interests directly through prompts.
Will publishers have more control over content visibility?
Yes, the new “Preferred Sources” button allows publishers to indicate preferred outlets, which may influence content prominence in your feed.
Source: Lifehacker
