Google NotebookLM Generates Audio Podcasts with a Click — and blows me away

Early this week I started seeing headlines of a new Google AI feature that was blowing the minds of my fellow tech bloggers.

All about Google NotebookLM

Mind-blowing AI, you say? I'm in!

Last December Google opened registration for an AI research tool it calls NotebookLM. You upload sources of info and ask it to generate summaries, study guides, answers to your questions and much more.

I tried it out some, but it didn't do anything spectacular, so I didn't bother writing about it.

But this week, WOW. Google added a capability that floors me -- even though I see mind-blowing AI every single day.

NotebookLM Audio Summaries = Instant Podcasts

The Notebook aspects still work the same as it did when I first tried it out... you upload sources of info so that the tool's AI can do its work. But once you have the sources you want, you can click an unassuming little button for what it calls an "Audio Overview," and POOF... your info is transformed into a podcast-like discussion of the content between two AI hosts.

Now instead of piles of research or a written blog or random notes, you have two smart AI personas bantering back and forth about the main points of your research.

6 Fast Facts about Google NotebookLM

One: It Sounds So REAL

The quality of these AI voices is so insanely human-like. The two "people," a man and a woman, speak clearly and concisely. If I heard this as a podcast and didn't know that it was AI, I don't think I'd be cognizant of its origin. I'd just assume that they were real people.

Two: It Truly Discusses the Content

Google's NotebookLM tool is geared toward students, and the goal of the Audio Summary seems to be to give students the ability to absorb the content's main points in a different format.

It's just plain amazing the way it pulls out points and has the hosts go back and forth with extra questions and clarifications.

Three: The Potential Is Staggering

With one click of the mouse, I could envision a much bigger picture of where AI summaries, voices, clones and entertainment/content can go.

• Students: A clever add-on for those who might learn better with an audio discussion.
• Content creators: A new way to repurpose our content for social media and marketing.
• Teachers: A fun way to get the kids to digest info.
• Businesses: A new way to teach staff about complex concepts, industry trends, etc.
• Job seekers: Perhaps a new way to showcase your expertise?

Four: It's Free (for Now)

Because I see so much potential use for this tool, I am surprised and delighted that we can all use it for free.

Five: It's in the Very Early Stages

As soon as you try it out, you're going to want to change the voices, fine-tune the content, change the tone/style, output it straight to social media without having to download, upload, etc. You're going to want it to be EVERYTHING you've been looking for.

Hang on... it's coming.

I'm positive that we'll see the ability to customize the audio output soon, and I know the copycat tools will be popping up all over in no time. I predict that by the end of the year we'll see tools like this from other vendors with more customization options (and monthly charges).

Six: You Still Can't Trust AI

One weird thing I noticed shouldn't surprise me but did because the audio sounded so awesome.

Generative AI gets stuff wrong all the time, and the generated podcasts are no exception. I noticed that the male voice actually changed tones toward the end. And a few of the words were mispronounced -- mangled, really. Plus you still have to be careful that it doesn't make up its own facts.

How to Create a Podcast with NotebookLM

In this video I walk you through how easy it is to create a podcast with this tool. Can't wait to see what everyone creates!

https://youtu.be/Euhq2LTk_c0