Summary: Google is enhancing its AI-powered note-taking tool, NotebookLM, by launching a new feature called Deep Research that automates complex online research and supports more file types like Google Sheets and Microsoft Word documents. These updates aim to make building organized knowledge bases easier and more efficient, all within your existing workflow.
Introducing Deep Research: Your AI Research Assistant
Google is rolling out Deep Research in NotebookLM, designed to simplify and automate complex online research. Acting like a dedicated researcher, this tool can synthesize detailed reports and recommend relevant articles, papers, or websites tailored to your questions.
Deep Research works by taking your query, creating a research plan, and browsing websites on your behalf. After a few minutes, it delivers a source-grounded report that you can add directly to your notebook. Meanwhile, you can continue adding other sources without interruption.
How to Use Deep Research and Fast Research Modes
To access Deep Research, start a search in the source panel and select Web as your source. You can then choose between two research styles:
- Deep Research: For a comprehensive briefing and in-depth analysis.
- Fast Research: For quick searches and faster results.
This flexibility helps you tailor your research experience based on your needs.
Expanded File Support for More Versatile Note-Taking
NotebookLM now supports additional file types, including Google Sheets, Google Drive files as URLs, PDFs from Google Drive, and Microsoft Word documents. This enhancement allows you to generate summaries from spreadsheets and quickly copy-paste multiple Drive files as URLs, making your note-taking and research process even more versatile.
Google expects these updates to be available to all users within a week.
Building on NotebookLM’s Growing Features
Since its launch in late 2023, Google has steadily expanded NotebookLM’s capabilities. Earlier this year, the company introduced Video Overviews, which transform dense multimedia content—like raw notes, PDFs, and images—into digestible visual presentations. This feature complements the Audio Overviews that generate AI podcasts based on documents such as course readings or legal briefs.
Additionally, in May, Google released NotebookLM apps for Android and iOS, extending the service beyond desktop users.