Google Upgrades NotebookLM with Gemini 2.5 Flash, Launches Standalone App at I/O 2025
Image Credit: Alban from Japan | Splash
Google has upgraded its AI-powered research tool, NotebookLM, by integrating the Gemini 2.5 Flash model to enhance its chatbot and research functions. Announced on May 2, 2025, this update aims to improve responses to complex queries. Additionally, Google plans to launch NotebookLM, with pre-registration now open on the App Store and Google Play Store.
[Read More: Snapchat and Google Cloud Team Up to Supercharge My AI with Gemini’s Multimodal Magic]
AI Model Upgrade: Gemini 2.5 Flash Integration
Gemini 2.5 Flash is a model optimized for advanced reasoning. This upgrade to NotebookLM, replacing the previous Gemini 2.0 Flash model, enables better handling of multi-step reasoning questions.
Audio Overviews remain unaffected. Gemini 2.5 Flash supports processing various inputs, including PDFs, notes, and videos, making it ideal for students, researchers, and professionals seeking in-depth analysis.
[Read More: Google's Gemini AI Chatbot App Now Available on iPhone]
Standalone App Launch
Google will release NotebookLM as a standalone app on May 20, 2025, during Google I/O 2025 in Mountain View, California. Pre-registration is available on the App Store and Google Play Store, with the app’s description, “Turn complexity into clarity”, targeting students, creators, researchers, professionals, and executives. Evolving from Project Tailwind, introduced at Google I/O 2022, the app aims to offer a streamlined experience, though specific features remain undisclosed.
[Read More: Google Gemini 2.5 Flash Beats DeepSeek R1 While Slashing Costs by 72%]
Impact on Users
The Gemini 2.5 Flash upgrade improves NotebookLM’s ability to summarize research papers and generate study guides. An X post from May 3, 2025, praises its “brilliant” concept breakdowns and interactive mind maps. Support for over 50 languages enhances accessibility for global users. The standalone app, currently free like the web version, may simplify access, though pricing details are pending. These enhancements make NotebookLM a valuable tool for diverse tasks.
[Read More: New AI Flaw Lets Hackers Trick Chatbots Like Google Gemini, Study Finds]
Context and Competition
The upgrade aligns with Google’s AI advancements, showcased at Google Cloud Next 2025, where Gemini 2.5 Flash was previewed for speed and efficiency. NotebookLM competes with tools like ChatGPT and Anthropic’s offerings. The app’s launch could leverage Google’s Android and Search platforms, strengthening its market position. However, TechCrunch notes the lack of a detailed safety or technical report for Gemini 2.5 Flash, limiting transparency about its capabilities.
[Read More: Anthropic to Launch Voice Mode for Claude AI with Three Conversational Options]
Source: TechCrunch, Medium, ZD Net, Yahoo! News
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