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 :)
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 :)
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 🙌🏼
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.
No doubt google makes great products. I have been using it for quite a while to help me kids learn new topic and podcast feature is really helpful with younger kids.
I knew NotebookLM was game changing when I got a chance to beta test it in 2023. Back then we could only upload PDFs and the context limit was 500 I think.
Even the Discord server where we voiced complaints, discussed suggested features and brainstormed new use cases, was always buzzing with engagement which I’m sure motivated developers to iterate.
I can imagine how great it was on early days. But I heard the original team had left the company. I havent seen any major things they did with the product.
The mind map feature is huge. And I’d add that you can select the sources that you wish to map, resulting in several mind maps for a notebook if you have extensive sources in that single notebook.
Great tool, indeed! I found the podcast feature very appealing, and I couldn't help but create my own podcast on Spotify, fully based on my writing (the introvert's option, of course). I have two episodes uploaded already for my first pieces, and so far, I think it's quite solid! This is my link if anyone wants to hear the result: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6oZ2T5ZMyFzDB5XLdTeWKg?si=uAJwyiXASwyWeMSesASJ-Q. I highly recommend it too!
Does NotebookLM keep your privacy - i.e does your knowledge base and the outcomes you generate (podcasts, questions, dialog, insights) remain private IP?
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 :)
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 :)
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 :)
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.
The podcast part intrigues me.
It's a good way to share ideas with people. In an explanatory way.
No doubt google makes great products. I have been using it for quite a while to help me kids learn new topic and podcast feature is really helpful with younger kids.
Easy, one of best products I’ve used multiple times!
I knew NotebookLM was game changing when I got a chance to beta test it in 2023. Back then we could only upload PDFs and the context limit was 500 I think.
Even the Discord server where we voiced complaints, discussed suggested features and brainstormed new use cases, was always buzzing with engagement which I’m sure motivated developers to iterate.
I can imagine how great it was on early days. But I heard the original team had left the company. I havent seen any major things they did with the product.
The mind map feature is huge. And I’d add that you can select the sources that you wish to map, resulting in several mind maps for a notebook if you have extensive sources in that single notebook.
Great tips, thanks!
Mind map is wild as starting point to start learning anything!
Great tool, indeed! I found the podcast feature very appealing, and I couldn't help but create my own podcast on Spotify, fully based on my writing (the introvert's option, of course). I have two episodes uploaded already for my first pieces, and so far, I think it's quite solid! This is my link if anyone wants to hear the result: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6oZ2T5ZMyFzDB5XLdTeWKg?si=uAJwyiXASwyWeMSesASJ-Q. I highly recommend it too!
Haha you really are taking this to the next level, great!
Yes, the sound quality is also good and pretty decent.
Just exploring, Whyndo... 😊
Is there a mobile app?
Desktop only :)
Web based though? No MacOS nor Windows native?
Web based, no app
What are the privacy implications? Who owns the output?
It’s users, it doesn’t store any outputs unless u ask it to and u can remove anything u want.
Does NotebookLM keep your privacy - i.e does your knowledge base and the outcomes you generate (podcasts, questions, dialog, insights) remain private IP?
As far as I've known, they dont store any data and you can freely delete anything you have uploaded as data sources.