Google’s NotebookLM Adds AI Audio Customization, Business Pilot

Google has updated the audio summarization feature of NotebookLM, its AI-powered note-taking and research assistant, allowing users to guide AI-generated audio conversations. This update enables users to focus on specific topics instead of just receiving holistic audio summaries.

Customizing AI Audio Summaries

NotebookLM’s Audio Overviews have become a popular feature since their debut, enabling users to turn lengthy documents and videos into digestible podcast-like audio conversations. This update now lets users customize those conversations to focus on particular topics, ensuring that the AI-generated discussion stays relevant.

The new “Customize” control allows users to instruct the AI to emphasize specific points in the content, giving them more control over the conversation flow. This feature aims to improve the listening experience by making it more targeted and reducing the chances of the AI veering off-topic.

Raiza Martin, product leader for NotebookLM, explained, “The number one feature that emerged that people wanted was just to give the AI a little nudge.”

Improving Accuracy and Background Listening

Alongside the customization feature, the update introduces background listening for Audio Overviews, allowing users to continue working in NotebookLM while the audio plays. Users can query sources, receive citations, and explore relevant quotes without interrupting their workflow.

Google also emphasized that user instructions provided to the AI for customization won’t be used to train the model, ensuring that user privacy is respected.

Expanding Use Cases and Business Pilot Program

Initially launched at Google’s I/O conference last year, NotebookLM has since expanded to over 80,000 organizations, including educational institutions, businesses, and research teams. As the platform gains traction, Google sees an opportunity for monetization and has launched a NotebookLM Business pilot program.

Businesses interested in the pilot program can apply for early access, and if accepted, they will receive access to new product features, training, and dedicated email support, with pricing details to be announced later this year.

Exploring Mobile App and Expanded Audio Controls

Currently, the assistant doesn't have a dedicated mobile app and is only accessible through its website across different devices. However, Martin told TechCrunch that the team is actively working on a native mobile app to broaden NotebookLM’s reach among smartphone users. They're also exploring the addition of more voices, languages, and enhanced controls for Audio Overviews.

New Sources Added: YouTube Videos and Audio Files

Last month, NotebookLM expanded its capabilities by adding YouTube videos and audio files as sources for generating summaries, alongside existing options like Google Drive, URLs, PDFs, and text. Martin noted that PDFs and YouTube videos have become the most frequently used sources, with a significant percentage of users listening to audio overviews while engaging with the chat. The next largest group includes users who primarily use the chat feature without generating an audio overview.

Implications for AI-Powered Research and Note-Taking

These updates mark a significant step forward for NotebookLM, enhancing the flexibility and functionality of the platform for both individual and business users. With new customization options for audio summaries and expanded source integrations, NotebookLM continues to position itself as a leading AI-powered assistant for research and productivity, catering to a broader range of use cases and industries.