NotebookLM Archives

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

3 Google updates from Galaxy Unpacked 2026

Gemini allows users to monitor task progress on their screens while multitasking across applications or letting it operate in the background. Users can intervene for adjustments before Gemini finalizes tasks and notifies them for review. Gemini Notebook, available on Samsung's latest foldable devices, enhances project management by allowing users to drag and drop various elements into a side-by-side workspace. It features a chat function for discussions about sources and enables users to create custom resources like slide decks, videos, flash cards, quizzes, and podcasts.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

NotebookLM just got a big upgrade, and research could get a lot easier

Google has upgraded NotebookLM to enhance its capabilities beyond simple document summarization, making the research process more efficient and reliable. The new features include: - NotebookLM can now automatically search the web and recommend sources, reducing manual reference gathering. - A cloud-based system allows NotebookLM to perform background tasks and generate various file types, including PDFs, spreadsheets, charts, images, and presentations. - The advanced Gemini 3.5 and Antigravity models improve the accuracy of responses and the handling of complex projects. - The tool previously relied on user-uploaded files for information but now offers more precise responses without placing the burden of reference collection on users. - Some features are currently available to Google AI Ultra subscribers and Workspace customers, with broader access expected soon.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

5 apps you should use instead of NotebookLM

NotebookLM is a leading AI research assistant and note-taking application, but there are several alternatives available. In a recent poll, user preferences for alternatives were as follows: OpenNotebook (31%), Obsidian (19%), Recall AI (6%), Notion (0%), Atlas (0%), and 44% preferred NotebookLM. Notion allows users to create a knowledge database and excels in managing interconnected databases, while NotebookLM focuses on analyzing research and generating audio summaries. Obsidian offers a customizable knowledge management system with a knowledge graph for organizing ideas. Recall AI serves as a self-organizing knowledge database that summarizes information into searchable cards and includes a quiz-making feature. Atlas is tailored for academic research, emphasizing accurate source citations and creating visual data representations. OpenNotebook mirrors NotebookLM's functionalities, allowing users to upload sources for AI-generated responses and offers audio summaries, but requires local or online hosting and technical proficiency.

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

The NotebookLM mobile app just gained a trio of report formats

The NotebookLM mobile application has introduced three new report types: briefing documents, study guides, and blog posts. Briefing documents focus on key insights and important quotes, study guides include quizzes and glossaries, and blog posts present information in an engaging format. These new features complement existing functionalities such as audio and video overviews, slide decks, flashcards, and infographics. Upcoming features will include mind maps, the ability to save notes, and auto-labeling.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

NotebookLM is quickly becoming the podcast app I didn’t know I needed

Many individuals are experiencing AI fatigue, with concerns about uninspired content, job displacement, and environmental issues related to data centers. The term ‘AI slop’ reflects growing skepticism towards AI-generated media. However, the author had a positive experience with AI-generated podcasts using NotebookLM, particularly during a visit to South Korea. The podcast 'Understanding Korea, One Story at a Time' by Jiwon Yoon featured AI-generated voices, which initially caused conflict for the author but ultimately impressed them due to the accuracy derived from Jiwon’s expert notes. While the author prefers human hosts, they acknowledge that NotebookLM can outperform subpar traditional podcasts and help academics share their insights in accessible formats. NotebookLM allows for quick conversion of academic essays into podcasts, facilitating the dissemination of knowledge that might otherwise remain obscure.

AppWizard

May 11, 2026

The Pixel Screenshots app could be the next big addition to Aluminium OS

Google's Pixel Screenshots app, launched in 2024 with the Pixel 9 series, uses on-device AI to process and organize screenshots into a searchable database. Recently updated with NotebookLM, its availability has been limited to Pixel smartphones. However, a "desktop" version has been activated in the Google Play Store, indicating potential future availability on desktop platforms. This desktop version lacks notable new features and does not appear in the app drawer. There is speculation about its connection to the rumored Aluminium OS, which is expected to support Android applications. For the app to succeed on Aluminium OS-based devices, Google may need to expand its availability beyond Pixel smartphones.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

You no longer have to pay for Gemini’s smartest organization tool

Gemini Notebooks are now available on mobile without a paywall, allowing users to organize chats and files in a centralized project hub. Existing NotebookLM notebooks sync to mobile, enabling direct saving of chats as sources. The feature is accessible to both free and paid users, with source limits varying by subscription plan: free users can add 50 sources, AI Plus users 100, Pro users 300, and Ultra users 600. The rollout is live for most users globally, with updates expected in Europe and other countries soon.

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

Gemini app bug removes features, reverts UI on Android

A bug in the Gemini app has led to the removal of several features, including the ability to upload NotebookLM notebooks via the ‘plus’ menu, the disappearance of the “Temporary chat” button, and the option to “Import memory to Gemini” from the profile menu. The app's design has reverted to side-by-side pills from a list format, and the background color has changed from black to gray, affecting the visual experience. Android users have also experienced a return to a previous overlay design that limits access to the Tools menu, and the fullscreen glow effect has been removed. This issue is affecting users across both stable and beta channels with Google app version 17.14, and a server-side fix is expected to restore the lost functionalities. The Gemini web platform remains unaffected.

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

Six Google Apps Emerge As Irreplaceable On Android

Many Android users seek alternatives to default applications, but six Google apps are deemed indispensable due to their speed, reliability, and integration. Google Keep allows for quick note-taking with features like labels, checklists, and real-time syncing across devices, boasting over 1 billion installs. The Google app serves as a central hub for various functions, providing seamless integration that enhances the Android experience. Google Maps excels as a navigation and discovery tool, with over 10 billion installs and features like offline maps and user-generated content. Android Auto offers a user-friendly interface for driving, becoming a standard feature in new vehicles. Google Photos backs up images effortlessly, with over 5 billion installs, and provides powerful search capabilities. NotebookLM allows users to input documents and web clippings for research, functioning as a research assistant. These six apps stand out for their unique combination of speed, scale, and integration, making them essential for Android users.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

NotebookLM’s Android App Just Unlocked One of Its Most Powerful Features

NotebookLM has introduced the Video Overviews feature for Android users, allowing them to create concise videos from selected notebook content. This feature, previously available only on desktop, can be accessed through the Studio section of the app. The update also includes new customization options for infographics, such as landscape layouts, horizontal formats, and square designs. Additionally, slide deck customization is in development. The update enhances NotebookLM's functionality as a conversational research assistant, enabling users to add sources, ask follow-up questions, and generate tables, summaries, and videos on mobile devices. Availability of these features may vary by device and region.