Google has introduced a new AI-powered feature in its NotebookLM, which transforms notes, documents, and other material into a podcast-style audio format. Dubbed Audio Overviews, the tool generates conversations between two AI hosts—a male and female—who discuss the uploaded content.
This technology aims to help users digest large amounts of information by summarizing it in a conversational audio format, which could be especially useful for students and professionals.
The feature is designed to give listeners a more engaging way to absorb information, similar to an informal podcast. However, Google notes that the AI-generated conversations can feel scripted, with some phrases like “drinking from a firehose” added to make the voices sound more natural.
Currently, the AI hosts can only speak in English, and generating an audio overview for larger notebooks may take some time. While the technology is still experimental, Google hints at future updates that could make the experience more interactive, similar to its Project Astra, a voice-activated tutor-like AI.
