Google’s NotebookLM Updates: Users Can Now Customize Their AI Podcasts

On Thursday, Google revealed new updates to the audio summarization tool of NotebookLM, an AI note-taking and research assistant—a pair of customization tools.

NotebookLM was released by Google Labs in 2023 as an experimental, AI-focused writing tool. However, it only rose to fame in September when the company added the feature to generate AI podcasts with the human-like voices of a male and a female.

The podcast-like audio conversations generated by the tool solely depend on the content or source users share.

Shortly after the Audio Overview launch, users began sharing their audio summaries and AI podcasts on social media, which gained huge traction.

Considering this welcoming reception from the users, Google added a new pair of features to the tool.

• Guide the conversation
  No users can provide instructions before generating a “Deep Dive” Audio Overview. For example, you can ask the tool to focus on specific topics or adjust the expertise level to match your audience.

• Background Listening
  Users can listen to Audio Overviews while continuing to work within NotebookLM. You can query your sources, get citations, and explore relevant quotes while listening to the audio. 

To try out the customization feature on NotebookLM:

1. Go to NotebookLM.
2. Create a new notebook.
3. Add at least one source.
4. On the NotebookLM guide, you will see ‘Generate’ and ‘Customize’ options.

   

5. Click Customize, and now add your prompt on how you would like the audio summary to turn out. You might highlight some sections or instruct it to focus on different audiences whom you want to engage with.

Raiza Martin, NotebookLM’s product leader and a senior product manager for AI at Google Labs, said that this update allows the users to use the AI to move in the direction they want.

Along with this customization feature, Google also announced NotebookLM Business, which will be offered via Google Workspace with enhanced features.

Akriti Rana

Tech Journalist

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