Google’s Gemini Notebook, formerly known as NotebookLM, can convert long articles, reports and research papers into podcast-style conversations between two AI hosts. The hosts review the main points, explain difficult concepts and present the material in a more accessible format.
To use the feature, users create a notebook and upload a text document or provide a website link. From the Studio panel, they can select Audio Overview, adjust the conversation’s length and specify the topics they want the AI hosts to emphasize. The conversion takes a few minutes before producing a discussion based on the imported material.
Users can also participate in the conversation by asking clarifying questions or adding opinions, allowing them to guide the discussion as it unfolds.
Google has also developed Illuminate, a similar experimental tool aimed specifically at academic research. It focuses on distilling complex research papers, although its experimental status means it may not always be available to the public.
These tools can make it easier to catch up on lengthy material while travelling or when there is not enough time to read everything on screen. However, AI-generated summaries can omit important details or contain errors, so they should not replace the original text when accuracy is important.
Sources: PCWorld.