Thanks Wyndo this is eye opening...I have a question though , when you talk about multi modal inputs, for example a YouTube input, it's only extracting the transcript as an input ya not using computer vision on the video? How far away are we from the model actually being able to use it's computer vision to interpret video as an input , rather than just extracting the verbal aspect of a video? Are there already tools for that or are we still a long ways off?
Indeed. The multimodal inputs come from the transcript, not using computer vision. I think we are on its way toward it considering now AI can identify object and facial recognition. But it might take time. Future is bright though :)
Computer vision is so resource intensive if they start using it cannot definately be free, the costs would skyrocket. A 10min vid of 24fps would have 14400 images that's a lot.
Woah, this is actually super cool! I'm glad I came across your post, Wyndo. What are best practices you're seeing so far for going deep on learning new topics?
I try to learn by stacking it into my existing habits.
So I start with creating a podcast and listen into it on my afternoon walk because podcast generally good for summarizing everything without feeling overwhelmed.
Once I got better understanding, I go chat directly by asking NotebookLM to highlight key insights and most unconventional lines based on sources.
Then I use mindmapping to see if there are things I miss. Then create quiz to challenge my understanding.
But for personal use, what I like the most is I just upload my daily journaling notes for more than three years and extract everything about me haha.
ohhh the journaling use case is smart - this is super helpful, thanks Wyndo! been toying around with NotebookLM since yesterday, hoping to read more of your use cases soon 🙌🏼
I’ve been using NotebookLM to generate outlines for course development and it’s significantly increased my productivity. Thanks for the FAQ info. I can use that help revise my materials to address common questions.
it's the single greatest tool for learning ever created. I use it daily and it's changed my learning, my workflow, everything. I'll definitely try the podcast feature on my next walk!
I'm able to take large amounts of information and extract the key points and lessons. I'm able to accelerate my reading while also asking direct questions against the library when I'm stuck on a concept. Example -> find a topic you're interesting in learning, goto YouTube, grab 5-10 of the best videos on the topic, add those as resources in NLM and create the study guides, FAQs... ask questions. You should also watch those videos, but when you're confused you can ask your 2nd brain :)
This is frankly insane. I mean, a lot of people who mastered googling have been studying complex topics and getting high paying jobs in months. But this is the whole new level. Now it will take weeks, or what? 😀
The insights about the limitations of current AI models, really point to something important in the discussion around AI. I think, NotebookLm is also a special tool, because it allows in a different way to be a human extension, as we can have taste, conviction, curation and perspective in a different way, than what most tools allow. In many ways, it might be the way that many AI tools will go in the future - curated knowledge bases, that don't get polluted with information, but allow unique perspectives and conviction to work with. A bit what the whole idea of Second Brain is based on, just on steroids. In that context, it's also worth looking at, what Readwise is doing with their chat feature. It's fascinating to think about the future of AI in this context.
Thanks for sharing this valuable content, Wyndo. Have you had a chance to check out Notion AI in Notion? I’m not trying to compare the two, but it follows a similar mindset—especially when you’re working with existing Notion content, of course. 🙃
This is insane. I’m 62 and I’m in shock! I’m retired and feel like there’s no way to keep up or understand all of this! I’m going to Rome in the fall and am trying to learn how to speak Italian and that feels like a big stretch but this…, this feels like a whole different universe.
We’re also headed to Montana in August so I will try your suggestions and use Notebook Lm to help create my trip.
Wyndo, instead of doing this research on my trip, I decided to learn about low dose naltrexone or LDN. i’m into healthcare and getting to root causes of disease! I suffer with Hashimoto’s and so I decided to find out how LDN can help someone with Hashimoto’s. I use the app that you discuss and uploaded a bunch of websites and a YouTube video. I present to you my first podcast on this topic!! Stunned. https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/25cda29c-305e-4066-9e28-b2ba1f6a3913/audio
This is amazing! Glad to know that you have tried it. In fact, you could download the podcast and upload to Spotify so it gets easier to access it at anytime. Or you can also download the NLM mobile app and listen from there.
Didn't realize that there's a mindmap feature!
They just added Discover too. You are welcome :)
Just saw it. Amazing. Speaking of how hard it is to catch up with all the updates...
U just gave me ideas to put “alpha” section at the end of each my newsletter post here :)
Cool! I'd be eager to check that out.
Thanks Wyndo this is eye opening...I have a question though , when you talk about multi modal inputs, for example a YouTube input, it's only extracting the transcript as an input ya not using computer vision on the video? How far away are we from the model actually being able to use it's computer vision to interpret video as an input , rather than just extracting the verbal aspect of a video? Are there already tools for that or are we still a long ways off?
Indeed. The multimodal inputs come from the transcript, not using computer vision. I think we are on its way toward it considering now AI can identify object and facial recognition. But it might take time. Future is bright though :)
Computer vision is so resource intensive if they start using it cannot definately be free, the costs would skyrocket. A 10min vid of 24fps would have 14400 images that's a lot.
This is an amazing article, thank you so much! I’m just getting started with using AI tools, so will definitely check NotebookLM out!
just make sure u read the 2nd edition :) https://aimaker.substack.com/p/learn-ai-agents-notebooklm-customization-guide-video-podcast-flashcards-quiz
Ah thank you very much!!! I’ll defo check this out :)
Woah, this is actually super cool! I'm glad I came across your post, Wyndo. What are best practices you're seeing so far for going deep on learning new topics?
Thanks Linart! :)
I try to learn by stacking it into my existing habits.
So I start with creating a podcast and listen into it on my afternoon walk because podcast generally good for summarizing everything without feeling overwhelmed.
Once I got better understanding, I go chat directly by asking NotebookLM to highlight key insights and most unconventional lines based on sources.
Then I use mindmapping to see if there are things I miss. Then create quiz to challenge my understanding.
But for personal use, what I like the most is I just upload my daily journaling notes for more than three years and extract everything about me haha.
Such a good way to learn about yourself here!
ohhh the journaling use case is smart - this is super helpful, thanks Wyndo! been toying around with NotebookLM since yesterday, hoping to read more of your use cases soon 🙌🏼
I got another even crazier tool this week, stay tuned :)
I’ve been using NotebookLM to generate outlines for course development and it’s significantly increased my productivity. Thanks for the FAQ info. I can use that help revise my materials to address common questions.
Great!
Make sure to use mindmap too as powerful way to understand key aspect of your data sources.
What an Excellent tool to level up my course content game! Thanks!
it's the single greatest tool for learning ever created. I use it daily and it's changed my learning, my workflow, everything. I'll definitely try the podcast feature on my next walk!
Good to know that you love NotebookLM :)
You can also download the podcast and upload it to Spotify for easier access!
🤯
What and how do you learn with it?
I'm able to take large amounts of information and extract the key points and lessons. I'm able to accelerate my reading while also asking direct questions against the library when I'm stuck on a concept. Example -> find a topic you're interesting in learning, goto YouTube, grab 5-10 of the best videos on the topic, add those as resources in NLM and create the study guides, FAQs... ask questions. You should also watch those videos, but when you're confused you can ask your 2nd brain :)
the NLM mobile app just launched :)
I love love love this post. Mind blowing.
Awesome. So many new ways to learn.
Greta piece. I worry somethignadt week which goes into a similar direction.
I use it quite often. It works great at distilling information for concise and easy to understand reports.
yeah good for extracting facts and data for learning with no hallucination.
i'm planning to write second post about this as their feature get more robust and this still my fav tool so far for learning
This is frankly insane. I mean, a lot of people who mastered googling have been studying complex topics and getting high paying jobs in months. But this is the whole new level. Now it will take weeks, or what? 😀
Feeling sorry for you, colleges and unies
The insights about the limitations of current AI models, really point to something important in the discussion around AI. I think, NotebookLm is also a special tool, because it allows in a different way to be a human extension, as we can have taste, conviction, curation and perspective in a different way, than what most tools allow. In many ways, it might be the way that many AI tools will go in the future - curated knowledge bases, that don't get polluted with information, but allow unique perspectives and conviction to work with. A bit what the whole idea of Second Brain is based on, just on steroids. In that context, it's also worth looking at, what Readwise is doing with their chat feature. It's fascinating to think about the future of AI in this context.
Been a long time since last time I checked readwise, will give it a look. It has higher chance to be second brain + AI augmented
Thanks for sharing this valuable content, Wyndo. Have you had a chance to check out Notion AI in Notion? I’m not trying to compare the two, but it follows a similar mindset—especially when you’re working with existing Notion content, of course. 🙃
Yes but i dont think notion can handle huge information like notebooklm. I think notebooklm is good at research from multiple sources.
This is insane. I’m 62 and I’m in shock! I’m retired and feel like there’s no way to keep up or understand all of this! I’m going to Rome in the fall and am trying to learn how to speak Italian and that feels like a big stretch but this…, this feels like a whole different universe.
We’re also headed to Montana in August so I will try your suggestions and use Notebook Lm to help create my trip.
Enjoy ur trip and make sure to convert your sources into podcast so you can listen to on the go!
Wyndo, instead of doing this research on my trip, I decided to learn about low dose naltrexone or LDN. i’m into healthcare and getting to root causes of disease! I suffer with Hashimoto’s and so I decided to find out how LDN can help someone with Hashimoto’s. I use the app that you discuss and uploaded a bunch of websites and a YouTube video. I present to you my first podcast on this topic!! Stunned. https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/25cda29c-305e-4066-9e28-b2ba1f6a3913/audio
This is amazing! Glad to know that you have tried it. In fact, you could download the podcast and upload to Spotify so it gets easier to access it at anytime. Or you can also download the NLM mobile app and listen from there.
Ok. This is a big ask but I’m committing to it!!
Excellent, informative article. However, it’s a Google product. That gives me pause.
I understand what you mean. But, so far I love NLM and Gemini 2.5. These products still feel underrated for me but have big impact in productivity!
Super useful, thanks for writing this. Didn’t know about the Podcast feature which is amazing, or the mind map.