Google NotebookLM, which is a research and note-taking AI tool, is getting upgraded to Gemini 2.5 Flash.
NotebookLM research tool is specifically famous for the Audio Overviews feature, which is a podcast-style generative audio feature.
While the Audio Overviews feature isn't getting a big overhaul today, Google has confirmed that the research tool in NotebookLM is now powered by Gemini 2.5 Flash.
For those unaware, 2.5 models are thinking models, which means NotebookLM can now generate better responses because it can now think "deeper."
Gemini 2.5 Flash is one of the significant upgrades in the 2.5 reasoning series. It offers better reasoning with improved speed and reduced cost.
With Gemini 2.5 Flash support, you can expect more comprehensive answers in NotebookLM, particularly to complex, multi-step reasoning questions.
However, as I mentioned, this change will not improve Audio Overviews.
In a post on X, Google noted that Gemini 2.5 Flash integration applies only to the text side of NotebookLM.
"Great question! This will currently only impact the Q&A but great feedback for our audio overviews team Thank you," Google NotebookLM team wrote in a post.
In addition, Google confirmed that it's working on a new NotebookLM app for Android and iOS with a release date scheduled for May 20.
NotebookLM isn't getting integrated into the Gemini app, which remains an independent assistant.