Google recently announced that its note-taking app NotebookLM is rolling out a brand new feature: users can interact with an AI podcast host. This feature expands on the audio overview functionality, allowing users to ask questions, engage in deeper discussions, and receive personalized responses while interacting with the AI.
When the audio overview feature was first launched, it allowed users to upload documents (such as course materials or legal summaries), which the AI virtual host would then use to generate podcast overviews. The newly added interactive mode enables users to communicate directly with the host, asking for more details or requesting explanations of concepts in different ways.
According to Google in a blog post, this feature was inspired by the concept of a "private tutor," allowing users to interact with the AI as if they were conversing with a mentor, posing questions and receiving responses based on the uploaded documents.
To use this feature, users first need to create a new audio overview, click the "Interactive Mode (Beta)" button, and play the audio. When users have questions, they can click the "Join" button, and the host will prompt them to speak, providing feedback based on the questions asked.
This feature is currently in an experimental phase and is only available for new audio overviews. Google reminds users that the host may pause while responding, and answers may not always be accurate.
In addition to the interactive podcast feature, Google has also redesigned NotebookLM. Now, the app's tools are reorganized into three panels: Sources, Chat, and Studio, making user navigation more intuitive and smooth. Additionally, Google has launched a premium version of the app for businesses called NotebookLM Plus, which offers extra features and support for enterprise users.
Since the launch of this feature in September, users have generated over 350 years' worth of audio overview content, demonstrating the popularity and tremendous potential of this new functionality.
The AI interactive podcast feature in NotebookLM provides users with a brand new way to learn and digest information. Through interaction with the AI host, users can not only access customized content but also deeply understand complex materials, much like conversing with a private tutor. As this feature continues to be optimized, NotebookLM is expected to open up new applications in fields such as education and corporate training.
