Google’s NotebookLM AI tool expands to mobile devices

Google is bringing its powerful AI research tool NotebookLM to mobile platforms, making sophisticated research and document analysis available on smartphones for the first time. This expansion indicates Google’s commitment to making advanced AI research capabilities more accessible across different devices, just as the company prepares for its annual developer conference where AI innovations are likely to take center stage.

The big picture: Google plans to release standalone mobile apps for its NotebookLM AI research workspace on both iOS and Android platforms on May 20, coinciding with the first day of the Google I/O developer conference.

• The apps have already appeared in listings on both the App Store and Google Play, suggesting the launch is imminent.
• NotebookLM has previously been limited to web access only, making this the first time users can carry its research capabilities in their pockets.

Key features: NotebookLM functions as an AI-powered workspace where users can consolidate and analyze multiple types of content in one place.

• Users can upload PDFs, entire websites, videos, and audio clips, then ask Google’s Gemini AI to summarize information, answer questions, or generate insights from the collected materials.
• One distinctive feature allows the tool to transform uploaded data into an interactive podcast with two AI hosts, complete with the ability to interrupt and ask follow-up questions during the discussion.

Recent developments: Google recently enhanced NotebookLM’s capabilities with a new research-finding feature powered by its Gemini AI system.

• The update allows Gemini to proactively find research rather than requiring users to manually upload documents.
• It remains unclear whether this newer research-finding feature will be available in the mobile versions at launch.

Where we go from here: Google I/O 2024 is expected to showcase further NotebookLM developments alongside other AI innovations.

• Last year’s developer conference heavily featured Gemini and AI announcements, suggesting a similar focus this year.
• Google CEO Sundar Pichai has indicated that Gemini integration with Apple Intelligence may arrive later this year, potentially expanding the AI assistant’s reach on iOS devices beyond the standalone app.