Google updates NotebookLM with Gemini 3.5 and built-in source search

In short: Google is rolling out updates to its NotebookLM note-taking app, including a newer Gemini 3.5 AI model, easier source finding, and a cloud computer for running tasks.

What happened

Google says NotebookLM now uses its upgraded Gemini 3.5 model. Gemini is the AI system behind NotebookLM, and Google says this version should give more accurate and reliable answers.

NotebookLM launched in 2023 as a way to ask questions about your own materials, like notes and documents, with AI help. With this update, Google says you can start a research project by simply chatting and asking questions first, even before you upload anything. NotebookLM can then use Google Search to suggest sources from the web, and you can choose which ones to import into your notebook.

Google is also connecting each notebook to a “secure cloud computer.” Think of this like a rented computer that runs on Google’s servers instead of your laptop. Google says this lets NotebookLM write and run code for research tasks. It can also create outputs in more file types, including PDFs, charts and visuals (image files like PNG and SVG), spreadsheets (CSV and Excel), and slide decks (PowerPoint).

The update is rolling out to people on Google’s AI Ultra plan and some Google Workspace customers. Google says it plans to expand access to more plans later.

Why it matters

For students, workers, and anyone doing research, NotebookLM is moving closer to an all-in-one workspace. You can begin with a question, get suggested reading, and produce shareable documents without jumping between as many apps. The big question to watch is how well it cites sources and avoids mistakes, since “more accurate” still does not mean perfect.

Source: The Verge AI