Google introduces AI-powered ‘Audio Overview’ podcast feature in NotebookLM

The feature aims to create engaging content based on research findings. | Archive photo: Shutterstock

2 minutes of reading Last update: 12 Sep 2024 | 16:50 IST

Google has introduced a groundbreaking feature to its AI-powered note-taking app, NotebookLM, that turns your research into engaging AI-generated podcasts.

As The Verge reports, this experimental feature, known as Audio Overview, uses AI to create podcast-style discussions featuring two AI hosts.

The NotebookLM app, which was launched last year, has been enhanced with a new feature that allows users to manage their notes and research materials in a more interactive way.

By integrating Google’s Gemini AI model, Audio Overview allows users to enter their research results and receive a synthesized audio summary presented by virtual hosts.

According to The Verge, these AI hosts are programmed to “summarize material, connect topics, and share thoughts,” creating an audio version of detailed summaries that were previously only available in text form.

This feature aims to create engaging content based on research findings.

During an internal test, the AI-generated podcast provided a lively discussion about the invention of the light bulb. The hosts discussed Thomas Edison and the collaboration behind the invention, with remarks like “in the end, this is really a story about teamwork, about how to make a dream come true.”

According to The Verge, despite trying to imitate human conversation, the AI hosts showed some oddities, such as being unable to correctly spell words like “PLUS” and using informal phrases like “bling bling metal” for platinum.

While AI-generated conversations can be fun and educational, the feature has some limitations.

Google notes that Audio Overview is intended to reflect your notes, not provide a comprehensive or objective look at a topic.

Additionally, the process of generating a podcast can be time-consuming, and the feature is currently only available in English, reports The Verge.

Users should exercise caution when using this technology with critical information as AI is not always accurate.

To explore this new functionality, users can access it by opening a notebook in NotebookLM, selecting the notebook guide in the lower right corner of the screen, and then selecting the “Audio Review” option.

(Only the headline and image of the report may have been edited by the Business Standard team; the rest of the content is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)

First edition: 12 Sep 2024 | 16:50 IST