Earlier this year, Google released a feature that shows how powerful its AI really is. Audio Overviews from NotebookLM basically turn your notes into an informational podcast. This really put this platform on the map for most people. Well, a new feature will let Audio Overviews include you.
Google announced Audio Overviews back in May. It was one of the stand-out announcements during Google I/O, and you can try it out today. In order to use the feature, you’ll need to start a notebook and upload content to it. Google will use AI to summarize the content and organize it to help you study.
After you upload your information, you’ll see the option to create an overview on the right side of the screen. Just know that it will take a few minutes to generate the overview.
Audio Overviews can now include you
During the Google I/O presentation, Google showed off a pretty neat ability. While the podcast is going on, you’ll be able to cut in and ask questions. The two speakers will then stop and answer your question before continuing. Admittedly, one of the coolest things we saw during the entire keynote, this ability was what people were most excited about.
When Audio Overviews first launched, they didn’t come with that capability. However, Google just announced you can now join your Audio Overviews. The company is rolling out this feature now. When you get the feature, you’ll see the Interactive Mode button pop up. While listening, all you have to do is click on the Join button.
When you do that, you’ll be able to ask your question. This is an interactive tool, so Google went the extra mile to make it feel like it. When you click the Join button, the conversation will stop and one of the speakers will say something like “Oh hey, I think our listener’s got something to say.”
Just know that Google is still rolling this feature out, so there’s a chance that you won’t see it just yet. If you don’t see it, then you’ll just want to wait a little bit.
NotebookLM Plus
Along with this information, Google also told us about a new payment tier coming to NotebookLM. Named NotebookLM Plus, this subscription promises you some additional features.
With it, you’ll get 5x the number of Audio overviews and sources per notebook. You can customize the style and length of your notebooks and create shared notebooks that you can collaborate on with your team. Lastly, you’ll have additional security and privacy settings.
You can get NotebookLM Plus if your Workspace admin has given you access to Gemini Enterprise, Business, Education, or Education Premium. These start at $20 per user each month.
