Google's NotebookLM gets Gemini 3.5, cloud computer, and source search
Start research by chatting, not importing—NotebookLM now finds sources for you.
Google is rolling out significant updates to NotebookLM, its AI-powered note-taking app. The core change is an upgrade to Gemini 3.5, promising more accurate and reliable information. Users can now start research by simply asking NotebookLM questions about a topic, rather than manually importing notes, documents, or YouTube videos. The app will use Google Search to find relevant sources, building on its existing 'discover' feature to surface useful web resources. This streamlines the entire research workflow—users just chat, and NotebookLM handles sourcing.
Beyond the model upgrade, NotebookLM now runs on Google’s agentic coding platform, Antigravity. Each notebook is linked to a secure cloud computer, enabling NotebookLM to write and execute code to assist with research tasks. The app also expands output options: it can generate PDF documents, data visualizations (PNG, SVG), images via Nano Banana (PNG, JPG, GIF), Excel and PowerPoint files, and CSV sheets. These features roll out first to Google’s AI Ultra plan and Workspace customers, with broader availability planned later.
- NotebookLM now uses Gemini 3.5 for more accurate and reliable responses.
- Users can start research by asking questions; NotebookLM finds relevant sources via Google Search.
- Antigravity integration provides a secure cloud computer that can write and run code; output supports PDF, Excel, visualizations, and more.
Why It Matters
NotebookLM evolves from passive note tool to active research assistant, cutting sourcing effort and enabling code-driven analysis.