Google is about to make it rather a lot simpler to do analysis on the go.
On Could 20, it is going to formally launch native NotebookLM apps on each the Apple App Retailer and Google Play Retailer, and you’ll register now to have them robotically downloaded to your gadget.
What’s NotebookLM?
NotebookLM is Google’s AI “analysis assistant” that debuted as an online browser-based service final yr. It is typically described as a sensible pocket book — one the place you possibly can dump PDFs, articles, YouTube hyperlinks, plain textual content, Google Docs or Slides, and so forth, after which ask the AI to summarize key factors, reply questions, and even flip your supply materials right into a mini podcast.
NotebookLM is powered by the most recent Gemini fashions. Every thing you ask comes with clear citations, so you possibly can see precisely which sentences the AI pulled out of your sources. That makes it nice for college students, professionals, and anybody who must do analysis.
What the NotebookLM apps do
Since NotebookLM launched, you’ve got had to make use of it in a browser, which labored effective however was restricted in the event you misplaced your web connection or needed true background audio playback. The brand new iOS and Android cell apps intention to resolve each these issues.
They help full offline mode — which means you possibly can obtain AI-generated audio summaries for later — they usually’ll maintain enjoying within the background even in the event you swap to a different app or lock your display screen. Primarily based on screenshots of the apps from the app retailer listings, it appears like they’re going to include a number of different options, a few of that are just like the present cell web site.
- Dwelling display screen: On the house display screen, you will see tabs for Current, Shared, Title and Downloaded, plus a scrollable record of your notebooks. Every pocket book tile has an enormous play button. Faucet it to launch an “Audio Overview.”
- Audio participant: It is a full-screen mode that not solely exhibits an animated waveform but in addition helps you to “be part of the podcast” by leaping in to ask follow-ups or get clarifications from the AI voices.
- Create new: A big floating motion button on the backside of the display screen helps you to begin a contemporary pocket book. Simply faucet it to add paperwork, paste textual content, add URLs — or use your telephone’s share sheet to tug content material from different apps into NotebookLM.
- Pocket book View: If you open a pocket book, a persistent toolbar on the backside offers you fast entry to Sources (the place you see your uploaded objects), Chat (the place you chat with the AI about them), and Studio (for settings and utilization stats).
Google’s screenshots additionally reveal how the app appears on tablets: a split-screen format places the AI chat beside your supply record, letting you multitask extra such as you would on a laptop computer.
The right way to get the NotebookLM apps
The native apps will substitute the present Progressive Net App, bringing deeper integration with iOS and Android in addition to system options like push notifications. It appears like Google will launch the apps in beta, with Could 20 because the goal date for iOS — proper in time for I/O 2025, the place Google is anticipated to announce extra AI information and can presumably even showcase these new apps.
- Pre-register: Go to the App Retailer model or Google Play Retailer model and faucet “Pre-order” or “Pre-register.”
- Automated obtain: On Could 20 (the primary day of Google I/O 2025), your telephone will obtain the app robotically.
- Register: Open the app, register together with your Google account, and also you’re all set.
- Improve to NotebookLM Plus (optionally available): Remember there’s NotebookLM Plus, accessible with Google One AI Premium. It has the whole lot NotebookLM affords, plus 5x extra Audio Overviews, queries, and sources per pocket book, and the flexibility to customise the type and size of your pocket book responses, and you’ll share notebooks with a workforce and get utilization analytics.
With new apps, NotebookLM can be extra accessible and cell — able to summarize, clarify, and even entertain you with an AI podcast whilst you’re on the subway, on a stroll, or touring the world over with spotty Wi-Fi.
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