AI is absolutely dominating the news cycle as it slowly infiltrates every aspect of our day to day lives. Students will be glad to know that Google has released a dedicated AI software, NotebookLM, to help you with studying all while reducing levels of hallucination and false information being pumped out as you might find with traditional AI companions.
NotebookLM comes from the creators of Google Gemini and is an AI powered research tool which students can use to aid their schoolwork. If you’re a busy student who could do with some help or just a general AI enthusiast who wants to know more, then we’ve got you covered with details on what NotebookLM is, what it can do and how you’re able to access the software.
What is NotebookLM?
NotebookLM is a Google AI-powered research and writing tool that functions as a virtual research assistant. It allows users to help users summarize, extra and understand complex information from their own uploaded documents or from the internet or other sources.
The AI model is grounded in your specific academic materials meaning it creates a unique AI that can answer questions with ease and even create Audio Overviews of information. Having the AI model grounded in your own sources of information means its less likely to hallucinate or make up information.
The main target audience of NotebookLM is students both in school or university, allowing them to create study aids or brainstorm ideas to help with school work or research projects.
What can NotebookLM do?
The main features of NotebookLM are of course to help create study materials, however there is a wide range of specifics that the AI can do.
- Summarizes content: NotebookLM can provide concise summary of long pieces of text or research papers.
- Answers questions: You can ask specific questions about the topic or uploaded sources and it will provide you with detailed answers which cites the original source.
- Analyses information: Key themes can be identified and then key sections can be highlighted before the AI can suggest fresh perspectives or analyze the source as required.
- Generating study aids: Flashcards, quizzes and other study aids can be generated based on the information.
- Brainstorms and creates content: New content can be created like an AI podcast or Video Overview if you find it easier to learn through other mediums.
Alongside these key features, NotebookLM can be used in a whole variety of ways. If you have an idea of what you might want the AI to do which isn’t on this list, you can always ask it and it can provide you with more information.
One of the main features of NotebookLM which sets it apart from alternative AI study aids is the content creation aspect. The ability to turn notes, PowerPoints or other study materials into either Audio or Video Overviews is perfect for those who might find it easier to learn from videos or audiobooks. You can select an entire Notebook or just one section to turn into an Audio Overview using NotebookLM. If you’ve not tried the automatically-generated podcasts, based on your source material, it’s wild – give it a go as soon as you can to see where AI is heading to these days.
In order to use all of these features, you have to upload your own content – as stated above – which prevents the AI from hallucination so you can be sure all of the information is accurate. You can upload a whole range of study materials including PDFs, Google Docs, Google Slides, Text Files, YouTube URLs, Audio/Video files and specific web URLs.
How to access NotebookLM?
NotebookLM is its own AI software meaning it can be used within web browser by going to the NotebookLM website. You’ll be prompted to sign into your Google Account if you’re signed in already and then you can get started by creating a new notebook and uploading all of your materials and documents.
For those who prefer to work on the go, you can also download the mobile app from the Google Play Store or the App Store if you use iOS.
How much is NotebookLM?
NotebookLM is free to use so long as you’re signed into a Google account, however there is a paid version if you want more features at your disposal. However, the free version is robust enough that most users likely will be content without ever having to pay.
Paying for NotebookLM provides you with five times more Audio Overviews, Video Overviews, notebooks, queries and sources per notebook as well as access to premium features such as chat customization, advanced sharing and notebook analytics.
You can access the upgraded features of NotebookLM through a range of other Google subscriptions to get the best value for money. If you’re subscribed to Google One AI Premium which provides you with access to enhanced Gemini capabilities, more Google Drive storage and more Google Home capabilities, you also get access to NotebookLM Pro.
Access to NotebookLM Pro also comes bundled into Google Workspace subscriptions (including Standard, Plus and Enterprise).
Does NotebookLM use my data?
NotebookLM doesn’t use your personal data or inputs to train its AI. That means no matter what you upload to your NotebookLM, what questions you ask or what content you generate, all of this is kept secure. This is the case for all accounts, whether its personal, education or corporate.
The data you upload or input is used to enhance your specific AI experience with NotebookLM rather than for all users. However, one thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to provide feedback to Google regarding an issue you are having then humans may review your notebooks, content or queries.
