On Wednesday, Google unveiled a new feature called "notebooks" for its Gemini platform, aimed at streamlining research efforts while utilizing the chatbot. This innovative tool is described as a "personal knowledge base" that integrates seamlessly across various Google applications, beginning with Gemini.
To clarify its function, notebooks can be seen as specialized chat sessions within Gemini, tailored to focus on a single topic. Each notebook comes equipped with custom resources that Gemini can reference during discussions, enhancing the relevance and depth of the interaction.
Understanding the Functionality of Gemini's Notebooks
For regular users of Gemini, who often engage in multiple conversations across diverse subjects, notebooks serve a more concentrated purpose. When users wish to gather materials on a specific theme, they can select the "New notebook" option in the Gemini app's sidebar. After naming the notebook, users can begin to compile resources from various sources, including Google Drive, local files, websites, or even text copied to the clipboard. Additionally, relevant previous chats can be incorporated into the new notebook.
Once the notebook is populated, users can prompt Gemini with questions pertaining to the topic. The AI will utilize all resources within the notebook to generate comprehensive and pertinent responses. Depending on the subscription plan, users may have the ability to include additional sources in their notebooks.
This feature is not standalone; notebooks in Gemini are designed to sync with NotebookLM, Google's advanced research tool, which enhances its utility. Notebooks created in Gemini will automatically sync to NotebookLM, allowing users to continue their work seamlessly. This integration enables users to transform their notebooks into videos or even generate podcasts based on their Gemini conversations.
The cross-platform synchronization represents a significant advancement for users, providing a dedicated function for resource sharing that effortlessly transfers across Google's AI research tools.
Getting Started with Notebooks in Gemini
All Gemini users will have access to notebooks, including those on the free tier. However, paid subscribers will be granted early access, with the feature being rolled out this week for AI Ultra, Pro, and Plus plans. Mobile and free users can expect to gain access in the coming weeks.