YouTube Music may soon get a new artificial intelligence (AI) feature, according to a new report. Google’s music streaming platform recently received the Play, sing or hum to search feature that used AI algorithms to find the desired results. It may soon get another AI-powered feature to search for songs. The feature, reportedly called “Ask for Music,” could use a generative AI chatbot that lets users search for results using conversational language. It is said to be found in the strings of code of a recent version of the Android app.
YouTube Music’s ‘Ask for Music’ Feature
According to a report According to Android Authority, the information regarding the AI feature was discovered in the YouTube Music app for Android version 7.06. 53 during a teardown. Several strings of code hinted at a new Ask for Music feature. It was also marked as an experimental AI feature.
Ask for Music was reportedly described as both the title of the feature and the prompt for the feature. This could mean that users will see those words first on the screen when the feature is opened. Another string of code reportedly revealed a disclaimer that read: “AI-generated responses are experimental. Quality and accuracy may vary. Do not enter confidential or personal information about yourself or others.” A submit button was also mentioned.
It’s hard to judge the functionality of the feature based on these details. However, the mention of AI-generated responses and the word prompt likely means it will be a chatbot-like feature where users can ask questions about songs, artists, and albums with conversational prompts. The AI bot will be able to share information as well as links to songs and albums.
Notably, YouTube Music only has a couple of AI-powered features. One is the new audio-based search function, which can be accessed via the waveform icon in the upper-right corner of the screen. Another is the AI-generated playlist cover, which can generate images for user-created playlists. This feature, if it comes, would be the first full-fledged AI feature for the platform.
It should be noted, however, that apps often come out with code for features that were months away or were scrapped altogether. Sometimes developers forget to remove the code from the app and it appears in teardowns. So it’s too early to tell if Ask for Music will become a feature or not.
