Google’s NotebookLM has recently launched several new features that aim to enhance the user experience for researchers, students, and anyone in need of organizing information. One significant update is the ability for users to upload Google Slides and web URLs as sources, in addition to the previously accepted Google Docs, PDFs, and text files. This expansion in sources provides more flexibility for users to gather and organize information from various platforms.
Another notable feature is the new Notebook Guide, which reads sources in NotebookLM and generates study guides, FAQs, or briefing documents. This tool can be particularly useful for users looking to streamline the process of creating informative content based on their gathered sources. Furthermore, inline citations can be added to point to specific sources within a project, allowing for easy fact-checking and referencing.
NotebookLM leverages Google’s Gemini 1.5 Pro, a powerful large language model, to support advanced AI functionalities within the platform. Users can now ask questions about charts, images, and diagrams uploaded to the platform, with Gemini 1.5 Pro providing relevant responses. Additionally, users can add up to 50 sources per project, with each source able to contain up to 500,000 words, significantly expanding the scope of information that can be included in a single project.
During a briefing with Raiza Martin, a senior product manager at Google Labs, reporters had the opportunity to explore NotebookLM’s features firsthand. While the Notebook Guide was not yet available for testing, reporters could add new data sources, receive inline citations, and engage Gemini 1.5 Pro to analyze graphs. The experience of requesting information from a PDF of a line graph and summarizing the text of the EU AI Act showcased the platform’s capabilities in action.
Despite the advancements in features, there were some limitations encountered during the review. For example, the functionality for web URL sources did not work as expected during the demonstration. When attempting to upload a website link, the model struggled to add the source to the list, indicating possible issues with incorporating web-based information seamlessly. It is essential for Google to address these technical challenges to ensure a seamless user experience.
In contrast to tools like Perplexity’s Pages, which purportedly assist researchers in finding and sharing data, NotebookLM stands out as a more comprehensive platform with its expanded range of sources and advanced AI capabilities. While Perplexity’s Pages may fall short in delivering on its promises, NotebookLM offers a robust solution for organizing, analyzing, and referencing information effectively. The examples provided by Google, such as Walter Isaacson’s use of the platform for analyzing historical journals, underscore the practical applications of NotebookLM for research and knowledge creation.
Google’s NotebookLM presents a promising tool for researchers seeking to streamline the process of organizing and extracting insights from various sources. With its new features, expanded capabilities, and integration of advanced AI technologies, NotebookLM has the potential to become a valuable asset for individuals and organizations engaged in information-intensive projects. By addressing the challenges encountered and continuing to enhance the platform’s functionalities, Google can further solidify NotebookLM as a leading tool in the field of research and data analysis.