Google has announced an exciting update for its NotebookLM software, which now enables users to customize AI podcasts. This feature allows users to have greater control over the content of these AI-generated discussions, with early tests using Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis showing intriguing results.

Introduced by Google Labs in 2023 as an AI-centric writing assistant, NotebookLM gained renewed interest in September with a new ability that lets users create audio-based discussions from uploaded materials. These discussions involve two AI voices, bringing documents to life in a unique audio format. While initially aimed at enhancing productivity and learning, these AI conversations have also become popular for their entertainment value, particularly when they narrate unconventional or personal materials, such as LinkedIn profiles shared online.

Raiza Martin, head of the NotebookLM team at Google Labs, expressed excitement over this development. Martin noted that user feedback consistently highlighted the desire for more influence over podcast content, marking this as the first of multiple future updates.

As NotebookLM nears its one-year anniversary since its official launch, it is dropping the “experimental” label, signifying a commitment to its continued development and improvement. This change reflects successful achievements in reliability and user satisfaction, with Martin promising even more stability in its operation.

Customizing AI Podcasts

To create and customize an AI podcast, users should access the Google Labs website and start a new notebook session. Documents intended for podcast conversion can range from desktop files to YouTube links. The newly added customization option allows users to determine which aspects of the source documents are prioritized, enabling a tailored discussion.

Martin suggests initially generating an unaltered Audio Overview and noting any adjustments desired for a subsequent customized version. This process ensures a more personalized and topic-focused audio experience.

Initial Impressions

In testing, an 80-page version of Kafka’s The Metamorphosis was used to evaluate this feature. While the initial overview provided a standard summary, a customized version focusing on themes like alienation and bureaucracy was more nuanced. The results closely resembled discussions one might find in college literature classes, albeit with some digressions, yet remained engaging.

The customization tool is poised to enhance how AI-assisted software like NotebookLM can interact with literature and other content forms, offering both educational and entertainment possibilities.

For further insights, visit the original article on Wired.