AI-powered Note-Taking Gets a Voice, and an Opinion
NotebookLM’s Audio Overviews just got smarter. Now you can choose whether you want a quick recap, expert feedback, or a full-on AI argument, all in audio form.
By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
September 9, 2025
Not just read themselves out loud, but actually debate, critique, and summarize your work on command?
Here's a Cool Tip: Use the New NotebookLM Audio Overview Formats.
Google’s NotebookLM, a tool that has quietly been transforming the way we work with information, is now giving its audio feature a much-needed personality transplant.
The new formats: Brief, Critique, and Debate transform passive summaries into dynamic learning tools, fundamentally changing how we engage with our own data.
Feature Explanation
NotebookLM’s Audio Overview feature has always been a great way to turn documents into an on-demand podcast.
Until now, the default “Deep Dive” was a solid, but somewhat one-note, affair.
It was like a polite, two-host conversation that never challenged your assumptions.
The new formats change the game entirely:
- The Brief mode is for when you're in a hurry. - It’s the ultimate tl;dr for your documents.
- The Critique mode is designed for creators and thinkers. - It’s like having a knowledgeable, virtual editor.
- The Debate format is perhaps the most innovative. - It stages a thoughtful debate between two AI hosts who take opposing viewpoints on the content.
What You'll Gain
Dramatically save time by getting quick summaries instead of rereading entire documents.
Enhance critical thinking by actively engaging with critiques and opposing viewpoints.
Boost retention by processing information through a new, engaging auditory format.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to do it.
On the Web
- Open NotebookLM, notebookLM.google.com, and select the notebook that contains the sources you want to review.
- Navigate to the Audio Overview card in the main panel.
- Tap the pencil icon to open the customization options.
- Select your desired format: Brief, Critique, or Debate.
- Click "Create" and the AI will generate the audio track based on your selection.
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| fig. 1 - Select a New Audio Overview Format in Google NotebookLM |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Offers a high level of engagement and utility unmatched by many other note-taking applications.
- The Debate feature is a strong tool for developing well-rounded arguments.
- Provides significant accessibility benefits for auditory learners and individuals with visual impairments, making dense information easier to digest.
Cons:
- Formats currently have a default length, which can be limiting compared to the "Deep Dive" option.
- The AI may not always grasp subtle nuances that a human would, so the output should be used as a starting point.
- Requires a constant internet connection to function.
Configuration Guide & Feature Access
- The new Audio Overview formats are currently rolling out to all NotebookLM users.
- To access them, simply click the pencil icon on the Audio Overview card.
- This feature is available to all users and does not require a special subscription.
Score
Criterion | Score | Justification
Value: 9This feature solves a genuine problem by adding utility beyond simple summarization. The Debate and Critique functions, in particular, offer a practical new way to engage with content that can save users time and improve their work.Usability: 9Access is straightforward and intuitive; users simply click an icon and select a new format. No complicated settings or training are required.Wow Factor: 8The concept of AI "hosts" debating your notes is genuinely clever and surprising. It moves the tool from a simple utility to a more dynamic, interactive assistant that delights users.Total Score: 26 🌟 Excellent. Highly recommended for immediate use.
Key Takeaways
Google’s new Audio Overview formats in NotebookLM are a game-changer for anyone who works with information.
By adding the ability to get bite-sized summaries, expert critiques, and even two-sided debates, the tool transforms from a passive summarizer into a dynamic assistant that actively helps you learn, analyze, and refine your work.
Try It Yourself
Ready to hear what your documents have to say?
Try out the new formats in NotebookLM today.
We'd love to hear how you're using them!
Comment below, subscribe to our newsletter for more actionable tips, and share this article with your team.
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