YouTube Music may soon get a new artificial intelligence (AI) feature, according to a new report. Google’s music streaming platform recently received Play, sing or hum to search a feature that used AI algorithms to find the desired results. It might get another AI-powered song search feature soon. The feature, reportedly called ‘Search for Music’, could use a generative AI chatbot that allows users to search for results using conversational language. It is said to be inside the code strings of a newer version of the Android app.
YouTube Music’s “Search for Music” feature.
According to a report by Android Authority, information related to the AI feature was spotted in the YouTube Music app for Android version 7.06.53 during teardown. A few lines of code hinted at the new Ask Music feature. It is also noted that it is an experimental AI feature.
Ask for Music has reportedly been described as both a feature title and a feature prompt. This could mean that when the feature is accessed, users will see those words on the screen first. Another string of code reportedly revealed a disclaimer that read: “Answers generated by artificial intelligence are experimental. Quality and accuracy may vary. Please do not enter confidential or personal information about yourself or others.” Additionally, a send button was also mentioned.
It’s hard to judge the functionality of a feature based on these details alone. However, the mention of AI-generated responses and the word prompt likely means it will be a chatbot-like feature where users can trigger queries about songs, artists and albums in addition to conversational prompts. The AI bot can share information as well as links to songs and albums.
Notably, YouTube Music only has a few AI-based features. One of them is the new sound-based search that can be accessed using the waveform icon located in the upper right corner of the screen. The second is an AI-generated playlist cover that can generate images for user-created playlists. This feature, if released, would be the first full AI feature for the platform.
However, it should be noted that apps are often released with code on features that are months off schedule or even abandoned altogether. Sometimes developers fail to remove code from an application, so they appear in disassembly. As such, it’s too early to say whether or not Ask for Music will be turned into a feature.
