NotebookLM is primed to become a built-in tool on Chromebooks

It appears Google is making moves to bring the fan-favorite NotebookLM to the forefront for Chromebook users. Mishaal Rahman, reporting for Android Authority, has uncovered a code change within the Chromium Gerrit that suggests NotebookLM will soon be preinstalled on Chrome OS.

For those unfamiliar, NotebookLM leverages Google’s Gemini AI model to analyze and summarize documents, articles, videos, and audio content. This tool has garnered praise for its ability to streamline information processing, making it invaluable for students, researchers, and anyone dealing with substantial data.

Additionally, NotebookLM first introduced us to Audio Overviews (that are now available right in Gemini) and the wildly-realistic, podcast-like delivery of large info sets via a easily-digestible talk show format. These Audio Overviews 100% put NotebookLM on the map, and they are just as awesome, relevant and helpful as ever.

Currently, NotebookLM is accessible via notebooklm.google.com, but Google aims to increase its visibility by integrating it directly into the Chromebook app drawer. This pre-installation should introduce the tool to users who may not be aware of its capabilities. It still remains unclear whether this change will apply to existing Chromebooks or only new models, but my money is on NotebookLM showing up across the board for ChromeOS as it is a web-based AI model, not an on-device service.

Alongside the new GLIC (Gemini Live in Chrome) additions, I think it is fair to say we’re in for a very heavy dose of AI-driven announcements at the next Chromebook Showcase – expected in April or May. We should know more about that event soon, and I could see more rumors beginning to swirl as the day approaches. Stay tuned!