Google's NotebookLM continues to evolve as a powerful AI-powered research and learning tool, with recent updates designed to enhance user experience and expand its capabilities. NotebookLM, which stands for Notebook Learning Model, functions as a personalized AI research assistant that enables users to deeply engage with and understand complex information. Unlike general large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT or Gemini, NotebookLM operates exclusively on the sources uploaded by the user, ensuring focused and reliable results, minimizing the risk of hallucinations.

One of the most exciting recent additions is the introduction of Video Overviews. This feature complements the already popular Audio Overviews, offering a visual learning experience. Instead of a simple audio podcast format, Video Overviews create narrated slideshows that combine AI-generated visuals with key elements extracted from the source documents, such as images, diagrams, quotes, and numbers. Users can customize these videos by specifying topics, learning goals, and target audiences. This makes Video Overviews particularly effective for explaining data, demonstrating processes, and clarifying abstract concepts.

Another significant upgrade is the enhanced Studio panel, which now allows users to generate multiple outputs of the same type within a single notebook. Previously, users were limited to creating only one of each type of output (e.g., one Audio Overview, one Mind Map) per notebook. This restriction has been lifted, unlocking a range of new possibilities. For example, users can now create multiple Audio Overviews in different languages from the same source material, making content globally accessible. Teams can tailor Audio and Video Overviews to different roles, saving time and effort. Students preparing for exams can generate multiple Mind Maps or Video Overviews, each focusing on a specific chapter or topic. The Studio panel now features four distinct tiles for creating Audio Overviews, Video Overviews, Mind Maps, and Reports, streamlining the content creation process. Multitasking within the Studio panel is also now possible, allowing users to listen to an Audio Overview while simultaneously exploring a Mind Map or reviewing a Study Guide.

NotebookLM has also become more accessible to a wider audience. Google has removed the previous age restriction, now allowing users aged 13 and older to use the tool, with some countries having different age restrictions. For Google Workspace for Education users, NotebookLM is available as a core service for all ages and is covered under their Workspace for Education terms. To ensure a safe and appropriate experience for younger users, NotebookLM has implemented stricter content policies to prevent potentially inappropriate or harmful responses. Furthermore, chats and uploaded sources from users under 18 are not human-reviewed or used to train AI models.

The user interface has also seen improvements, with a redesigned layout that organizes NotebookLM into three main areas: Sources, Chat, and Studio. The Sources panel allows users to manage their source materials, while the Chat panel facilitates conversations with AI, providing citations for verification. The Studio panel is where users can generate various learning materials.

NotebookLM is accessible on desktop and via mobile apps for Android and iOS. The mobile apps offer a streamlined experience, allowing users to switch between the Source, Chat, and Studio panels. While the mobile app may not yet have all the features of the web version, it's expected to catch up in the near future.

NotebookLM supports over 35 languages and is available in more than 180 regions where the Gemini API is available. Users retain control over who has access to their notebooks and can set granular permissions. Data uploaded to NotebookLM remains private and is not used to train AI models without permission.