Google’s NotebookLM now lets you customize the tone of its AI podcasts

Google has unveiled exciting new features for its AI-powered note-taking and research tool, NotebookLM. Users can now tailor the tone of their Audio Overviews, which function as AI-hosted podcasts summarizing and discussing documents shared within the application, including course readings and legal briefs. With this update, when creating an Audio Overview, users can select from various formats such as "Deep Dive," "Brief," "Critique," or "Debate." The "Deep Dive" format involves two AI hosts engaging in an in-depth conversation about the subject matter, encouraging thorough exploration and inquiry. In contrast, the "Brief" provides a concise overview aimed at quickly delivering the essential ideas. The "Critique" format offers a review of the shared sources along with constructive feedback, helping users enhance their understanding. Meanwhile, the "Debate" format features two AI hosts presenting opposing viewpoints on the documents, fostering critical thinking and diverse perspectives. Moreover, users can customize the length of their AI podcasts, making it easier to fit their specific needs. In addition to these tone adjustments, Google is introducing a highly anticipated feature: new voice options for the AI podcasts. This enhancement comes as part of Google's ongoing development of NotebookLM, which has seen significant updates in recent months. Not long ago, Google launched Video Overviews, transforming complex multimedia inputs—like raw notes, PDFs, and images—into easily digestible visual presentations. NotebookLM has recently integrated a collection of featured notebooks from various authors, researchers, and nonprofits, providing users with a broad spectrum of topics to explore. Additionally, standalone NotebookLM apps for Android and iOS were officially released in May. Google has announced that these new customizable formats will be available in all languages and accessible to all users within the week.