Google’s NotebookLM Goes Mobile: Android App Arrives Ahead of I/O 2025
Google has officially launched the NotebookLM app for Android, bringing its AI-powered note-taking and research assistant to mobile users. This launch, anticipated ahead of Google I/O 2025, addresses a top user request and signifies Google's commitment to making AI tools more accessible.
As previously reported, NotebookLM leverages Google's Gemini AI to help users understand complex information by summarizing documents, answering questions based on uploaded sources, and organizing scattered thoughts. The app offers a seamless experience, adapting to your device's light or dark mode. You can find the Android app on the Google Play Store.
One of the key features of the Android app is the access to Audio Overviews, AI-generated podcasts based on your source material. These overviews offer background playback and offline support, providing a convenient way to digest information on the go. Moreover, there's a "Join" feature in beta, where you can interact with the AI hosts and ask follow-up questions.
"I recently revisited Google's NotebookLM and I was impressed with how far it's come," notes one user. "It's a dead simple concept that feels like one of the most practical uses of AI, giving way to the perfect study buddy for classes or work."
The app allows users to create new notebooks by adding PDFs, websites, YouTube videos, and text. Importantly, the NotebookLM app integrates with the Android share sheet for quick source imports. Once a notebook is opened, a bottom bar provides access to Sources, Chat Q&A, and Studio panels, mirroring the familiar mobile website experience.
NotebookLM was initially designed for desktop browsers, but the new Android app enhances accessibility. An iOS version is also expected to launch soon. The app's three-pane layout – Source, Chat, and Studio – allows for a customizable experience, with collapsible panels for a full-screen chat mode. In the Studio panel or via prompt, you can generate a mindmap from the source to have an interactive and categorical breakdown of the text.
The Studio panel highlights features like study guides, FAQs, and Timelines, further highlighting the usefulness of the tool.
With Google I/O 2025 just around the corner, it's likely we'll see further enhancements and integrations for NotebookLM. Will Google expand the collaboration features? How will NotebookLM integrate with other Google services? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
