Google’s note-taking app, NotebookLM, has undergone significant updates since its launch last year. These updates have expanded the app’s capabilities and have made it a more powerful tool for researchers, students, and anyone in need of organizing information. The latest features include the ability to upload Google Slides and web URLs as sources, inline citations, and a new Notebook Guide for creating study guides, FAQs, and briefing documents.
The addition of Google Slides and web URLs as sources is a major enhancement to NotebookLM. Previously, users were limited to uploading Google Docs, PDFs, and text files. With this update, users can now access a wider range of information sources, making the app more versatile and user-friendly. Additionally, the new Notebook Guide feature allows users to create detailed study guides and briefing documents directly within the app.
One of the most valuable features of NotebookLM is the ability to add inline citations to your projects. This allows users to fact-check AI responses and ensure the accuracy of the information they are gathering. Users can add up to 50 sources per project, with each source being able to contain up to 500,000 words. This feature not only enhances the credibility of the information but also makes it easier for users to keep track of their sources.
As a reporter covering AI, I had the opportunity to test out the new features of NotebookLM. While the Notebook Guide was not yet available for testing, I was able to add new data sources, get inline citations, and utilize Gemini 1.5 Pro to analyze graphs. I found the app to be user-friendly and efficient in delivering the information I was looking for. For instance, when I asked NotebookLM to summarize the text of the EU AI Act, it was able to provide me with an overview and include citations, demonstrating its capability to extract and present relevant information accurately.
Despite its advancements, NotebookLM still has some limitations. During my testing, I encountered an issue with web URL sources not working properly. Although the app attempted to upload the website content, it did not show up in my list of sources. This limitation may hinder the app’s usability for users who rely heavily on online sources for their research. Additionally, while NotebookLM is a powerful tool for organizing information and extracting data, it is not designed to write research papers for users. This distinguishes it from other tools like Perplexity’s Pages, which aim to assist researchers in data analysis and information sharing.
Google has highlighted several examples of how people have utilized NotebookLM, including author Walter Isaacson, who reportedly used the platform to analyze Marie Curie’s journals for his upcoming book. These examples demonstrate the versatility and potential impact of the app in various fields, from academic research to content creation.
The evolution of Google’s NotebookLM has brought about significant improvements in its functionality and user experience. With features like inline citations, the ability to upload Google Slides and web URLs, and the new Notebook Guide, the app has become a valuable tool for organizing information and conducting research. While there are still some limitations to be addressed, NotebookLM shows great promise in revolutionizing the way users gather and manage data.
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