NotebookLM has turned out to be one of Google’s best AI experiments. Initially demoed as an experimental tool at I/O 2023 as Project Tailwind, Google eventually launched it to the public under the NotebookLM name. Now, three years later, Google is rebranding NotebookLM as Gemini Notebook, bringing it under its ever-expanding Gemini umbrella.
In the last year or so, Google has integrated Gemini into almost all its products. NotebookLM itself is Gemini-powered and is now even directly accessible from the Gemini app. Add to that its growing popularity — Google says it’s being used by over 30 million people — and it’s no surprise that the company is rebranding it as Gemini Notebook.
It brings all of Google’s AI tools under the Gemini name, whether it’s the Gemini app, Gemini Live, or now Gemini Notebook. This move will also help strengthen Gemini’s identity as Google’s all-in-one AI platform.
This is only a name (and a colorful logo change), though. Gemini Notebook is still the same NotebookLM we know and love, and the rebranding won’t affect your existing notebooks in any way. Just don’t be surprised if NotebookLM shows up as Gemini Notebook on your phone or Gemini app in the near future.
Cloud computer access expanding to Google’s AI Pro plan
There’s one notable upgrade Google is rolling out alongside the rebranding, though. In June, the company announced that every NotebookLM notebook will gain access to a secure cloud-based computer. This lets the AI tool write and execute code on your behalf, allowing it to analyze data, perform complex calculations, and tackle more advanced research tasks without relying on your local machine.
Until now, this feature was only available for Google’s AI Ultra and Workspace business customers with the AI Ultra and AI Expanded plans. Over the next few weeks, Google will further expand cloud-based computing access to all Google AI Pro subscribers on the web as well.
Lastly, Google continues to further integrate NotebookLM Gemini Notebook across its products and services. After the Gemini app, the company will integrate Gemini Notebook directly into AI Mode in Search.
