Google’s NotebookLM software has added some great new features, which mainly affect audio overviews. For those who don’t know, the platform’s Audio Overview tool uses AI to produce an audio summary of a piece of content. It started with written content, but has since expanded to YouTube videos.
So what’s new? Users can now input specific instructions before creating a “deep dive” overview. Google gives examples of assigning the software the task of focusing on a single topic or adjusting the level of expertise to suit a particular audience. The company says it’s “like giving the AI host a quick note right before going on air.”
There’s also a new Background Listening feature, which is exactly what it sounds like. People can listen to audio overviews while doing other things in NotebookLM. Google says users can query sources, get quotes, and find relevant quotes “without interrupting the audio.”
It’s also worth noting that the company has removed NotebookLM’s “experimental” label, so I guess the experiment has been a resounding success. In any case, the software became available to the general public in December.
The company has also announced an upcoming expansion that’s primarily for business use, called NotebookLM Business. It will include “advanced features for businesses, universities, and organizations.” Businesses can apply today to get early access to the pilot program.
A new model of AirTags may be coming later this year, but as it stands, we consider Apple’s current AirTag to be the best Bluetooth tracker for iPhone owners. That’s not exactly a low price, but it beats the going rate of $73 for a four-pack over the past few months, even at Best Buy.
It’s no cheap investment, but if you’re looking for an all-in-one home battery, you can save around $900 on a 6.1kWh single battery and inverter set. We saw the EcoFlow Delta Ultra at last year’s CES (this year we also saw the brand’s cool solar hat). The battery can be filled from solar panels or the grid and pump power back into your home on demand or in case of a power outage.