Google NotebookLM Unveils “Discover” Feature for AI-Powered Web Research
Staff Editor Google Enhances NotebookLM with Independent Web Source Discovery
Google has unveiled a significant upgrade to its AI-powered note-taking tool, NotebookLM, introducing a new feature that allows the platform to independently find and summarize web sources. The “Discover” button, which began rolling out on Wednesday, enables users to describe topics of interest, prompting NotebookLM to automatically gather relevant online resources.
The Discover feature, expected to be available to all users within a week, represents a major leap in NotebookLM’s capabilities. When activated, the tool rapidly scans hundreds of potential web sources, curating a list of up to ten recommendations. Each suggestion is accompanied by a summary explaining its relevance to the user’s query.
Once users select their preferred sources, these can be seamlessly integrated into NotebookLM’s existing features, including FAQs, Briefing Docs, and Audio Overviews. The Audio Overviews function utilizes AI hosts to discuss topics, offering users a podcast-like experience for their chosen subjects.
NotebookLM’s enhanced functionality extends to source management, with selected web resources saved within the platform for easy access and reference. Users can leverage these sources for various purposes, including citations, note-taking, and answering questions related to their topics of interest.
Google has indicated that the Discover sources feature is just the first of several upcoming Gemini-powered enhancements aimed at improving access to reference materials. Additionally, a new “I’m Feeling Curious” feature has been introduced, allowing users to explore random topics. This function, reminiscent of Wikipedia’s random article feature, showcases the tool’s capabilities while offering an element of educational entertainment.
As NotebookLM continues to evolve, these latest updates underscore Google’s commitment to enhancing AI-driven productivity tools and expanding the boundaries of digital note-taking and research capabilities.
