Here’s how I use NotebookLM to boost my productivity

I’ve been utilizing AI for assist with varied duties, each for work and my private life. Gemini is my AI chatbot of alternative, having switched to it from ChatGPT. I use the premium (formally known as Advanced) model and discover it useful for locating typos in my writing, understanding sure subjects in additional element, and rather more.

I heard good issues about Google’s NotebookLM however by no means gave it a correct strive. Since Gemini can analyze recordsdata, I figured I didn’t want one other AI instrument for that. But I determined to strive it out regardless, and I’m completely satisfied I did — NotebookLM has confirmed to be extraordinarily invaluable for me.

I not too long ago purchased a brand new condo, which concerned a variety of paperwork. That features a doc with particulars concerning the whole venture, the acquisition settlement, and loads of others. There have been nicely over 100 pages to learn and signal.

I nonetheless refer to the paperwork to examine issues, as my reminiscence isn’t all the time one of the best. For instance, to double-check building particulars and the fixtures included, I had to undergo a variety of paperwork earlier than discovering the reply. Thanks to NotebookLM, these days are over.

I created a brand new pocket book in NotebookLM and added in all of the paperwork associated to my buy. Now, when I have a query, I kind it in and get the reply in seconds. It works nice, though typically a extra detailed immediate is required to get the precise data. It’s nonetheless higher than a handbook search, although.

But this isn’t my solely use case for NotebookLM. I additionally use it for work, and it saves me a ton of time. For instance, we have now many pointers at Android Authority concerning codecs for several types of articles, amongst different issues, simply to guarantee everyone seems to be on the identical web page. It’s simple to neglect issues, so importing all the rules to NotebookLM permits me to get the data I want by asking a query, saving me time I’d in any other case spend trying to find the right part inside a particular doc.

I’ve additionally began utilizing it for product manuals, an concept I acquired from my colleague Andy, who not too long ago wrote a publish about it. This solves two issues. First, I by no means want to seek for a handbook, as those I want are in NotebookLM. Second, the reply to any downside is only a immediate away. We all know how arduous it’s to troubleshoot an issue by looking by means of a 300-page handbook. NotebookLM solves this for me.

I’m additionally within the strategy of signing up for a brand new checking account that features journey insurance coverage, and since insurance coverage firms could be a bit sketchy with their phrases and circumstances, I use NotebookLM for assist. It actually helps me discover solutions to my questions concerning what the insurance coverage really covers and what’s excluded, which isn’t simple to do in an extended doc that is stuffed with authorized lingo — examine the screenshot above.

Of course, that’s simply my use case. There are loads of others. It’s nice for college students, as they’ll create notebooks with textbooks and sophistication notes after which discover solutions shortly. Lawyers can create notebooks with particular legal guidelines they want to refer to typically, and medical doctors can use them as nicely for assist when wanted. It’s useful for a lot of professions.

So whereas I was a bit skeptical of NotebookLM at first, I’m completely satisfied I gave it a correct shot since. It actually does boost my productivity, permitting me to do extra in much less time. And that’s the entire level of AI for me personally — to assist me get organized and pace issues up.

Technically, sure. Gemini can analyze paperwork and discover solutions to your questions. This function used to be accessible solely as a part of the Advanced subscription however is now rolling out to free customers as nicely. I examined it out not too long ago and was impressed.

NotebookLM is definitely powered by Gemini, so the 2 have an analogous talent set on this space. However, NotebookLM is best fitted to this process, as that’s what it’s primarily designed for — whereas Gemini has broader functions. It’s simpler to manage notes in NotebookLM and discover what you’re on the lookout for because you don’t want to scroll by means of varied unrelated chats like in Gemini. The AI chatbot additionally has an add restrict of 10 recordsdata, whereas NotebookLM’s restrict is way increased at 50 per pocket book for a free account.

NotebookLM additionally has different options that add to the expertise. The first is podcasts. The instrument can create a podcast with two individuals discussing the subject of your recordsdata in a enjoyable and fascinating approach — it’s much less boring than studying the recordsdata. It’s excellent, though it tends to hype issues up. For instance, I created a podcast about my new condo, and it was a bit exaggerated when discussing building and how each element is nicely thought out. It made it sound prefer it was this super-luxury advanced, which it isn’t.

You may customise the solutions from NotebookLM by selecting between an evaluation, a information, or making a customized tone. Additionally, you possibly can choose between a shorter or longer response, though these options are a part of the NotebookLM Plus subscription plan. Then there’s the choice of making a briefing doc or a examine information with a easy click on of a button.

While I had some points with particular AI options supplied by Google, NotebookLM does what it’s supposed to. And we’re nonetheless early in its growth, so I’m curious to see how a lot better it might turn out to be.

How has your expertise with NotebookLM been up to now? Let me know your ideas within the feedback.