Rumors have been swirling that NotebookLM, Google’s AI-powered research assistant, can now generate full videos, sending waves of excitement through the tech community.
However, the reality is a bit more nuanced. While the platform hasn’t unlocked true video creation, it has introduced a compelling new feature: the ability to generate animated slides alongside its existing podcast functionality. These well-crafted, narrated slide decks can be considered video presentations, offering a polished and engaging way to distill complex information.
A Step Beyond Podcasts
The update enhances NotebookLM’s appeal by pairing its AI-narrated audio with visually appealing slides, pulled directly from uploaded documents. This combination creates a dynamic presentation experience, complete with smooth animations and clear voiceovers.
For users accustomed to the limitations of tools like Gamma.app and Genspark— where creative outputs often fell flat — this leap forward is a game-changer. The slides are reportedly of high quality, making NotebookLM a standout tool for educators, marketers, and content creators seeking professional-grade results without extensive manual effort.
Outshining the Competition
The introduction of this feature has sparked speculation that NotebookLM could be the death knell for a dozen or so competing startups. Unlike Gamma.app and Genspark, which have struggled to deliver truly innovative outputs, NotebookLM leverages Google’s robust AI infrastructure to produce content that feels both functional and creative. This move underscores a growing trend: Google’s ability to refine and scale products often outpaces the agility of smaller players, potentially leaving them in the dust.
Limitations and Access
There’s a catch—users are limited to generating three podcasts (and their accompanying slide sets) per day, a restriction that balances accessibility with server demands. This cap may frustrate heavy users but ensures the platform remains stable as it rolls out the feature to a broader audience. NotebookLM continues to be a web-based tool, with no immediate plans for a mobile app, though its desktop experience remains intuitive.
Google’s Product Mastery
The update reinforces a key difference between Google and competitors like Open AI. While Open AI excels in raw AI innovation, Google shines in turning those advancements into practical, user-friendly products. NotebookLM’s evolution into a slide-generating powerhouse exemplifies this strength, blending research assistance with presentation tools in a way that feels cohesive and purposeful. As the platform matures, it may solidify Google’s dominance in the AI-assisted content creation space.
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Conclusion
NotebookLM’s new slide feature isn’t full video generation, but its animated, narrated presentations are a significant upgrade that could overshadow lesser tools like Gamma.app and Genspark. With a daily limit of three creations, Google continues to prove its knack for delivering polished products, potentially spelling trouble for competing startups. As this tool evolves, it’s clear that NotebookLM is carving out a unique niche in the AI landscape.
