Google’s NotebookLM AI podcast tool was recently introduced into the mainstream thanks to a collaboration with Spotify packedbut after a recent update it’s suddenly a lot more interactive. Instead of just sitting back and listening, now you can actually do it Join the conversation.
According to Google, NotebookLM users have already created “audio overviews spanning more than 350 years,” essentially turning uploaded documents into AI-hosted two-way conversations to make them easier to understand. The idea is that you could submit, say, a 50-page research white paper and the podcast will give you a quick breakdown that you can listen to while you do other things.
Maybe it’s because Google uses the same voices for every audio overview, but in my experience they usually sound eerily similar to a real back and forth when not without any joke or robot stiffness. That said, for a tool that aims to make complicated topics easier to understand, it so far gives users little control over how they conduct its AI conversations.
As part of a major update that revamps the interface and adds some additional features for enterprise customers, Google now also allows you to participate in the AI Podcasts. Instead of having a direct conversation with your AI presenters, the Join feature allows you to pause the podcast to ask a question and guide the conversation. For example, if you’re listening to a breakdown of important dates in American history but your hosts get distracted and talk about state birds, you can pause them to get them back on track. Alternatively, you can simply ask them to go deeper into a specific topic or repeat something they’ve already covered.
The feature is currently rolling out in a beta version, and unfortunately I haven’t gotten my hands on it yet. If you’re luckier than me, Google says you can try it with the following steps:
Create a new audio overview
Tap the new interactive mode (BETA) button and click play.
While listening, tap Join. A moderator will call you.
Ask your question!
The company has released an example of the feature in action and it looks like you’ll have to click “Participate” for each question you have. It really looks like Google is going for a question and answer format here rather than treating you as a third party host.
The result reminds me a little Gemini Livewhich also lets you talk to Google’s AI in real time, but has done this had some flaws in terms of accuracy or understanding when I’ve tried it in the past. So it makes sense that Google reiterates that the Join feature is “experimental” and that hosts “may pause awkwardly before responding and occasionally introduce inaccuracies.” Additionally, the feature only works for new podcasts. So don’t expect conversations that have already been created to suddenly be reinvented.
