Google announced an update to its AI note-taking and research assistant, NotebookLM, enhancing its audio summarization capabilities. This feature has recently gained popularity for generating podcast-like audio conversations based on user-provided content. In addition, it allows more focused discussions on specific topics rather than just holistic summaries.
Google New Audio Overview Capabilities
The updated audio Overviews in NotebookLM enable users to digest lengthy documents or videos through AI-generated audio conversations. Following its launch last month, this feature quickly attracted attention, with many users sharing audio summaries of their content on social media, including personal diaries and journals.
Significant Increase in User Engagement
Google has not disclosed specific user engagement metrics for NotebookLM. However, data from SimilarWeb indicates that the platform experienced a remarkable 371% increase in traffic in September. As a result, it will reach 3.07 million monthly visits, up from 652,181 the previous month.
Google Customization Options for Users
Previously, Audio Overviews would automatically generate conversations from users’ sources. However, to enhance relevance, Google is introducing a customization update. In addition, it allows users to tailor the audio summaries to focus on specific topics. Google has added a new “Customize” control before the existing “Generate” button. Thus, it enables users to provide instructions for the AI hosts to concentrate on particular points.
Reducing AI Hallucinations
Customization may also help mitigate AI hallucinations, in which the AI generates inaccurate content. Martin assured that the NotebookLM team actively monitors user feedback to address inaccuracies. Importantly, she clarified that the update will not use user instructions to train the AI model, stating, “In general, we do not train on user data.”
Google Background Listening and Multi-Source Support
In addition to customization, users can now enjoy background listening in Audio Overviews. As a result, it allows them to continue working within NotebookLM while the audio plays. This feature supports querying sources, receiving citations, and exploring relevant quotes simultaneously.
NotebookLM launched at Google’s I/O developer conference last year. In addition, it became publicly accessible in the U.S. in December. It has since expanded to markets including India and the U.K., reaching over 80,000 organizations.
Launch of NotebookLM Business Pilot Program
To capitalize on its growing user base, Google has introduced the NotebookLM Business pilot program. Organizations can apply for early access to product features, training, and support. Martin mentioned that the program aims to educate businesses on how to utilize NotebookLM and gather feedback on desired features.
Google Future Developments and User Experience
Google has not yet announced the general availability and pricing for NotebookLM Business. However, the platform currently receives 4.17 million monthly visits, with a significant portion coming from desktop users. Although there is no dedicated mobile app yet, the team is exploring the development of a native mobile experience to enhance accessibility for smartphone users.
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Additionally, NotebookLM has recently added support for YouTube videos and audio files as sources for generating summaries, alongside existing formats like Google Drive and PDFs. Martin highlighted that PDFs and YouTube videos are the most popular sources among users, with many engaging with audio overviews and chat functionalities.
