Google unveils NotebookLM: Know how it works, what are its unique features and how it competes with other AI chatbots

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Google has officially launched its new notebook web app, now named NotebookLM, which leverages generative AI to enhance the note-taking experience. The app was initially unveiled as Project Tailwind during the Google I/O event in May. NotebookLM utilizes powerful language models to automatically organize, summarize, and assist users in researching the topics they are writing about.

According to a press release by Google, NotebookLM aims to reimagine traditional note-taking software by incorporating the capabilities of language models at its core. The app offers a unique twist by enabling users to train the AI on their own documents, ensuring more personalized and relevant responses. By posing questions related to their notes or using simple prompts, users can extract tailored information or generate new content based on their documents and sources.

One notable feature of NotebookLM is its automatic citation of sources when adding information to users' notes. This function ensures the accuracy and quality of suggestions, granting users greater control over their content creation process. NotebookLM differentiates itself from AI chatbots like Google Bard and ChatGPT by allowing users to «ground» the language model in their notes and sources.

This process creates a personalized AI assistant well-versed in the specific information relevant to the user's project. Currently, the app can only be grounded in Google Docs, but Google has stated that additional formats will be supported in the future. The functions of NotebookLM can be summarized into three main categories: generating summaries, answering questions, and generating ideas.