We recently created a video comparing some of our favorite AI research tools. Soon after releasing the video, one of my colleagues mentioned a new AI research tool that had recently been released, and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed by this app! So, without further ado, let’s explore another incredible AI research tool!

Google NotebookLM is a brand-new AI research tool based off Google’s Gemini 2.0 chatbot. As of right now, only the browser-based version of the app is available to try, but the mobile version of the app is coming soon. In fact, users can currently pre-register for the mobile version of the app through the Google Play store.

When opening the app for the first time, you’ll notice that the app provides a sample, introductory notebook designed for orienting new users called “Introduction to NotebookLM”. This is a great place to start because it provides a glossary of terms, describes the apps’ features, talks about how to get started, how to troubleshoot possible issues with the app, and more.

After exploring the introductory notebook, it’s time to start a new blank notebook. Click on “Create new”. Next, you’ll be asked to add your sources. You can choose to add a variety of files including PDF, .txt, markdown, and audio. You can also add links from the web, YouTube, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Slides, or simply paste text that you’ve copied. You can choose up to 50 sources.

Once you’ve added a source, you can see how Google Notebook’s interface is organized. Unlike a lot of the other apps we’ve looked at in the past, this app organizes everything into three panes. On the left, you have your sources, in the middle, your chat, and on the right, the studio panel.

From the studio panel, you can add user generated notes or an AI generated FAQ, Study Guide, Briefing doc, or Timeline. These sections can then be converted to a source and viewed in the left-hand pane.

The studio pane also provides a super unique feature that sets Google NotebookLM apart from the other AI-based research tools that I’ve recently looked at. Under the “Audio Overview” section you can actually generate a short podcast based off the content in your notebook with the click of a button. Simply click on “load” and your podcast/audio description will be automatically generated by AI. I tested this feature with a dense, 70 plus page document, and the app generated a twenty-minute podcast hosted by two incredibly realistic sounding hosts. The hosts did a great job discussing the details of the document, although they did make a couple small errors, like incorrectly pronounced bass (the fish) as bass (the instrument).

Once the podcast/audio description is generated, it can also be downloaded as a separate file and listened to on any audio device, making it a great tool for converting big ideas into more digestible pieces.

Google Notebook LM is free to try on every major browser. To learn more, click here.

This post originally appeared on the AT Help Desk (new window) website.