From Shakespeare to Parenting: Google Rolls Out Curated AI Notebooks
Google is rolling out a new feature in its AI note-taking app, NotebookLM: featured notebooks curated by authors, researchers, and major publications. These prefilled notebooks allow users to explore expert-compiled content on diverse topics, from parenting and health to literature and current affairs.
To begin with, eight featured notebooks are available. For example, one explores longevity from Super Agers author Eric Topol. Another includes parenting advice from Jacqueline Nesi’s Substack newsletter, Techno Sapiens. Google has also introduced a notebook on Shakespeare’s complete works. Additionally, it collaborated with The Atlantic and The Economist to offer more in-depth subject coverage.
This launch follows Google’s decision last month to let users share their notebooks publicly. As a result, over 140,000 people have already shared public notebooks in the past four weeks. The featured versions aim to showcase how users can benefit from pre-organized content instead of starting from scratch.
A Preview of What’s Possible With NotebookLM
According to Steven Johnson, editorial director for NotebookLM, these curated notebooks are both a demonstration and a roadmap. “For newcomers to NotebookLM, the notebooks are a preview of how useful the product can be when you’ve assembled a collection of sources for whatever project you’re working on,” he said on X. He added that the feature also hints at a future where thousands of expert-created notebooks are available for users to explore and save.
The notebooks contain original text from source materials, such as books, newsletters, and online articles. Notably, NotebookLM uses AI to summarize the content automatically. Alongside the summaries, it provides preloaded notes about the covered topics. This structure allows users to easily grasp complex ideas.
Interactive Learning Through AI Chat and Audio Overviews
Moreover, each notebook includes interactive tools powered by Google’s AI. Users can chat with the NotebookLM AI to ask questions about the material. They can also listen to pregenerated Audio Overviews, which offer podcast-style discussions hosted by AI voices. These tools aim to make learning both engaging and accessible.
Looking ahead, Google says it will continue releasing additional featured notebooks. The company plans to expand collaborations, especially with publications like The Economist and The Atlantic, ensuring users have even more curated content to explore in the near future.
