Late Friday, Google announced they are showing video previews in the search results carousel for Google app for Android and Chrome on Android by default when on a Wifi connection. Google said "when video results show up in the video carousel, just like text snippets for text results, you'll see video previews."
This works on wi-fi connection. To enable previews on mobile networks or to opt out of this feature, visit the settings menu within the Google app or settings for Android Chrome.
Here is a GIF of it in action:
A month ago, Google was caught testing auto-playing videos in the search results. Maybe this was some sort of test which results in this launch?
These are silent 6-second frames of the video, so they are less obtrusive than auto-playing videos by default.
What do you think?
Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld.