This lesser-known NotebookLM function helps you discover information you thought had been gone

Google’s NotebookLM is designed to make matters simpler to analysis and perceive. The platform provides you the facility to determine which sources to drag from to search for a selected topic. Somewhat than trusting the Web at giant, like AI mainstays ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot , NotebookLM lets you choose the sources you wish to use, after which creates a research-based pocket book from that info.

It is a sensible methodology of discovering the solutions you want. It is also a great solution to really feel higher in regards to the confidence you possibly can have within the solutions you are getting from a web-based AI assistant. NotebookLM doesn’t just stop there, although. It additionally contains options that allow you to use the knowledge you get to review and study. You may make flashcards, quizzes, map out the sequence of events in Mind Maps, and extra. Wish to take your learning on the go? Your analysis may even be became an AI-powered podcast.

NotebookLM is a perfect research associate, but it surely has different makes use of, too. Because of its newest integration, the platform can now show you how to discover information that may have been misplaced to the litter of your on-line life.

Use NotebookLM to find sources

Have some management over what you seek for

As acknowledged, NotebookLM allows you to select which sources you wish to embody in your analysis. You possibly can depend on the platform to look Google Gemini to search out sources if you would like, however the primary motive NotebookLM is useful for analysis functions is that you would be able to belief the knowledge extra since you play a job in the place it is sourced. This lets you add information like PDFs, Phrase paperwork, and extra to drag instantly from.

If you’d like a synopsis of a big doc, NotebookLM can generate one if you add it. While you first open a brand new Pocket book, you will be requested so as to add sources. There are a number of methods to add one thing, akin to including a YouTube video hyperlink or importing the information your self. Within the prime proper nook, there is a Uncover Sources button. That is the place you will go to ask NotebookLM to look the online for you if you do not know precisely what sources you need.

Have NotebookLM use Google Drive as its depository

Go from the Web to your personal information

After you click on on Uncover Sources, you are dropped at a web page that asks you to sort key phrases. This narrows down what you wish to seek for. For instance, if you wish to study extra in regards to the pyramids in Egypt, you possibly can sort that in there, together with different key phrases to broaden the dialogue. You too can sort in comparisons, like Spotify vs. Apple Music, and have the learning assistant search for comparability supplies.

On the backside of the web page, you possibly can see there are two choices for what sources you are pulling from. One among them is the Internet, because you’re probably going to wish to search the Web for data you do not already know, however it’s also possible to search on Google Drive. Should you’ve used Google Drive quite a bit through the years to maintain observe of information, it may be an unimaginable asset for locating long-lost information saved on Google’s platform.

It helped me set up my Google Drive

I forgot about lots of information I’ve saved

When you choose Google Drive, you possibly can sort a phrase from the file that you just’re searching for. That is extremely useful for anybody that makes use of Google Drive and has lots of information saved in it. I are likely to preserve lots of Sheets on the platform, which is not useful for NotebookLM. However I even have dozens of saved Docs from numerous writing assignments I’ve executed, in addition to lists of tasks I’ve labored on which have been shared with staff members.

You probably have a obscure concept of what the doc was about, you possibly can sort within the key phrase to associate with that. You do not have to recollect the file’s title. NotebookLM will scan eligible information in Google Drive and populate choices that greatest match your description. For instance, I typed “Amazon” and my first story draft for Pocket-lint the place I wrote about Amazon units appeared, not as a result of I had Amazon within the title, however as a result of it was talked about within the doc.

This is usually a trick for wading by means of numerous information in Google Drive to search out one thing particular. Should you do not set up your Google Drive into folders, it simply lists them in chronological order. Not solely does it save ones that you have created, but it surely additionally saves people who you have opened. For me, this contains a number of press releases from corporations. As a result of I not often undergo and clear up my Google Drive, mine is a little bit of a large number. This hack from Google Drive helps me discover these information. I do not even must make a Pocket book — it is only a private scouring device.