Google is updating its AI note-taking and research assistant, NotebookLM, with a new tool designed to help users simplify complex research. The update also includes support for additional file types.
The service is introducing a feature called Deep Research. This tool automates and simplifies complex online research. Google describes the tool as acting like a dedicated researcher because it can synthesize a detailed report or recommend relevant articles, papers, and websites.
Deep Research works by taking your question, creating a research plan, and then browsing websites on your behalf. After a few minutes, it presents a source-grounded report that you can add directly into your notebook. You can continue to add other sources while Deep Research runs in the background.
The idea behind Deep Research is to help you create a deep, organized knowledge base on a topic without having to leave your workflow.
You can access Deep Research by starting a search in the source panel and selecting Web as a source. Then you choose your research style. You can select Deep Research when you want a full briefing and in-depth analysis. Alternatively, you can choose Fast Research for a quick search.
Regarding the additional file type support, you can now upload Google Sheets, Drive files as URLs, PDFs from Google Drive, and Microsoft Word Documents. Google states this change will allow users to generate summaries from spreadsheets and quickly copy-paste multiple Drive files as URLs.
Google says these new updates should be available to all users within a week.
Since its launch in late 2023, Google has been building out NotebookLM with additional functionality. Earlier this year, Google introduced Video Overviews to NotebookLM. This feature allows users to turn dense multimedia, such as raw notes, PDFs, and images, into digestible visual presentations. That addition built on the Audio Overviews feature, which generates an AI podcast based on documents shared with NotebookLM, such as course readings or legal briefs. In May, Google released the NotebookLM apps for Android and iOS, making the service available beyond desktop.