Google's crazy AI podcasting tool NotebookLM gets some upgrades

NotebookLM, Google's AI-powered teaching tool is getting some upgrades.

When we say teaching tool, that sounds rather dry, but in reality, NotebookLM is a mindblowing platform that generates an Audio Overview of two AI voices explaining source material in a podcast deep dive format. Within a few minutes, you get a completely customized podcast episode that bears the same elements of your favorite podcasters, speaking in a natural, friendly back-and-forth conversation.

After being teased at Google I/O last May, NotebookLM launched Audio Overviews in September. It's gained traction amongst AI enthusiasts for its abilities to synthesize information in a digestible format for students or just about anyone looking for an easier way to learn something new. Users have even been feeding NotebookLM diary entries to get an outsider perspective. By the way, NotebookLM says it doesn't use your information to train the model, but maybe don't use it as your AI therapist?

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As of Thursday, Google is moving NotebookLM out of experimental mode and introducing some new features to make it more useful. Previously, users didn't have much control over how their uploaded sources were interpreted and presented in the Audio Overviews.

Now, users can guide the conversation by giving instructions before they generate a custom podcast. According to the announcement, you can prompt NotebookLM to "focus on specific topics or adjust the expertise level to suit your audience." Users can give instructions by hitting "Customize" next to the "Generate" button.

Also live today, is the ability to keep tinkering with your custom Notebook while the Audio Overview plays in the background. While listening, you can "query your sources, receive citations, and explore relevant quotes without interrupting the audio," said the blog post.

Google is also introducing NotebookLM Business, which is paid version with premium features for businesses, universities, and organizations.