Google is rolling out new tools for its AI model Gemini that turn class and meeting notes, documents, slides, email threads and reports into podcast-style conversations. The company said it is bringing its Audio Overviews feature in NoteBook LM — its generative AI note taking tool — to Gemini to help users better digest and make sense of complicated information.
Two AI hosts are available to help make the conversation flow based on uploaded files, according to Google. They summarize the material, draw connections between topics, engage in back-and-forth discussions, and provide "unique perspectives."
The new feature is rolling out to Gemini and Gemini Advanced subscribers worldwide in English, with more languages coming soon. The move comes as companies like Google and OpenAI continue to expand their suites of tools to develop AI that functions more like a personal assistant by helping users perform tasks and decision-making.
Google is also introducing an interactive space known as Canvas for Gemini users to create, draft or refine documents and code. Canvas also provides users with feedback and previews in real time. For documents, users can adjust tone, length or formatting of the entire piece or specific parts, such as a paragraph of an essay or speech.
A steady AI strategy
Jitesh Ubrani, an analyst at ABI Research, said Google's move to roll out incremental AI updates is part of a greater strategy adopted by more tech companies at the moment.
"It helps to trickle out news as it allows Google to capture headlines over a longer period," he said.
He added that Google's public facing AI journey began much later than others such as Chat GPT or Anthropic, but continual announcements like this enable Gemini to "catch up quite quickly."