Google renames NotebookLM to Gemini Notebook and expands AI capabilities for documents

On July 16, 2026, Google renamed its AI tool NotebookLM to Gemini Notebook. While the product remains unchanged, it now offers new features for creating audio, slides, and study materials, making it more versatile for workplace use.

How the tool works with user documents

The tool generates responses based on files uploaded by the user, unless they request more creative content. Each response includes citations from source excerpts, allowing users to verify information accuracy. Users can enable or disable specific sources to control which documents the response is based on.

Since March 2026, the platform has supported EPUB files—a format for digital books—in addition to PDFs and text documents.

Lesser-known everyday features

Audio and video from reports

Audio Overview transforms documents into a conversation between two virtual presenters, with the option to download the file for later listening. Users can choose the format (in-depth summary, brief, critique, or debate), language, and duration. Cinematic Video Overview, which includes animations, is available only in English and on specific plans.

Slides, infographics, and reports

Google says generated slides can be edited—with requests for style or content changes—and exported to PPTX or PDF. There are ten infographic styles available, and chat conversations can be converted into audio, video, or reports without leaving the screen.

Study and training

Flashcards and quizzes save user progress and allow marking cards as “understood” or “not understood,” with the option to redo incorrect items. Mind maps display source excerpts for each topic when clicked.

Analysis with code

During the renaming process, Google announced a secure cloud environment in each notebook, enabling users to run code for data analysis. This feature was being rolled out to Pro plan users.

Four practical uses

• Prepare for meetings: Upload the last three reports and ask, “According to the sources, what has changed between them?”
• Onboard new employees: Upload internal manuals and create a quiz with flashcards.
• Create presentations: Generate slides from a report and review them one by one.
• Make use of commute time: Download an Audio Overview of meeting materials to listen to on the way.

What to know before using it

The name change did not affect existing notebooks, and shared links remain functional. Some features depend on the plan selected, and usage limits vary between free and paid versions.

For documents containing customer data, contracts, or internal information, consult the company’s AI usage policy before uploading. Citations help verify responses, but final verification remains the user’s responsibility.