Latest news with #NotebookLM
Skift
2 days ago
- Business
- Skift
5 Tech Tool Making Planners' Lives Easier
There might be an initial learning curve, but planners say once they are up to speed, these technologies are not only improving their meetings but lightening their load. For planners who never have enough time in a day, the initial learning curve of a new technology can be daunting. Will they catch on? And most important: Will the effort be worth their time? Only rarely is it not, as in the case of these five new technologies recently featured in the Skift Meetings Toolkit, our new how-to hub with hundreds of information-packed articles about meeting planning. 1. Agentic AI A new wave of AI may transform the way planners manage everything from incentive trips to large conferences. For an incentive trip, for example, generative AI might suggest a list of popular destinations, but an agentic AI can go a step further by analyzing weather conditions, venue availability, flight options, and car rentals, crafting an itinerary, and even booking everything. Among the new agentic AI tools are NotebookLM for note-taking, and DALL·E, Midjourney for image and 3-D content creation. Learn more here. 2. Apple Invites Apple Invites combines invitation creation with practical event management tools. It integrates with Apple Maps for directions and Weather for forecasts, while offering collaborative features like shared photo albums and Apple Music playlists. The platform allows hosts to manage RSVPs, control event visibility, and share invitations through a web link. Guests can view and respond to invitations even if they don't have an Apple account. Learn more here. 3. Nowadays A new venue sourcing platform, Nowadays, features more than 30,000 venues and an AI virtual assistant, known as Ina. Planners submit their requirements and receive a list of suggested hotels, event spaces, private dining spaces, and even unconventional venues. It is also trained to warn users of potential challenges in terms of destinations, such as weather issues or a large event causing the prices to spike. Ina then sends the requests for proposals, and collects and collates responses. Learn more here. 4. Generative AI Planners have come a long way in their use of generative AI, with ChatGPT leading the way. The Skift Meetings Toolkit has several articles where they share their favorite applications and prompts. Still, some planners say they don't have the time to learn AI. We asked Elyse Dawson, senior events manager at Homrich Berg about that in an article where she shares her AI journey. 'This is one of the lowest-risk, highest-reward things that you could put your time into,' she said. 'It's actually a time-saver. And if you put in the time and what you tried doesn't work, you will be more comfortable the next time.' Also learn about the favorite AI prompts of Ginger Taylor, assistant director-leadership at Leadership Network for Women at Arc here and find more AI prompt suggestions from Julia Tripp, who created a coaching guide, The Events Industry Survival Guide, packed with prompts. 5. Event Tech Almanac For more on tech tools, Skift Meetings has just released the Event Tech Almanac 2025, for event planners, producers, and strategists. It's packed with information, and designed to cut through the noise in the constantly evolving event tech sector. Download it for free here.
Medscape
5 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
AI-Generated Medical Podcasts Deceive Even the Experts
For the first time, researchers have evaluated the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate podcasts from peer-reviewed scientific articles. Using Google's NotebookLM application, the team created podcast scripts based on studies published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing ( EJCN ). The results were eye-opening: Half of the authors did not realize the podcast hosts were not human. The study assessed whether AI could simulate a realistic scientific dialogue between two speakers discussing published research. Findings were presented at this year's Annual Congress of the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions and simultaneously published in EJCN . Too Polished to Be Human? The AI-generated podcasts averaged 10 minutes. Without knowing the content was machine-produced, most authors said their research was summarized clearly, in simple language, and with structured delivery. Some even remarked that the 'hosts' sounded like they had clinical or nursing backgrounds. But not all feedback was glowing. Several participants felt the delivery was unnaturally smooth — lacking hesitation, repetition, or organic back-and-forth — prompting suspicion of AI involvement. Others flagged mispronounced medical terms and factual errors. One podcast, for example, focused on heart failure diagnosis instead of management. Another spoke exclusively about women, even though the study included men. Some authors were also distracted by the overly enthusiastic, American-style tone of the narration, with superlatives used to describe modest results. A more academic tone, they suggested, would be more appropriate — particularly if the tool is used for scientific audiences. Promise for Science Communication Led by Philip Moons, PhD, from the KU Leuven Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven, Belgium, the researchers created 10 podcasts based on EJCN articles. Despite imperfections, they concluded that 'AI-generated podcasts are able to summarize key findings in an easily understandable and engaging manner.' 'Podcasts were found to be most appropriate for patients and the public but could be useful for researchers and healthcare professionals as well if they were tailored accordingly,' the authors wrote. 'It was striking how accurate the podcasts were in general. Knowing that we are just at the beginning of this kind of AI-generated podcasts, the quality will become better over time, probably within the next few months,' Moons said in a press release. He believes the tool could help researchers more effectively disseminate their work. Moons got the idea after testing NotebookLM with one of his own papers, shortly after Google launched the feature in September 2024. 'When I did a first test case with one of my own articles, I was flabbergasted by the high quality and how natural it sounded.' After generating the podcasts — ranging from 5 to 17 minutes — researchers were asked to evaluate the content through a questionnaire and a 30-minute video interview. Missing Context but Strong Engagement All participating authors agreed that the podcasts effectively conveyed the key findings of their research in simple, accessible language. Many also found the conversational format between two 'hosts' made the content more engaging. Several praised the hosts' professionalism. 'I was curious about their background — it really seemed like they had medical or nursing training,' one author said. However, some were unsettled by the lack of introductory context. The podcasts provided no information about the identity of the speakers or how the audio was produced, leaving listeners uncertain about the source. Overall, most found the content reliable, though a few pointed out factual errors. One author noted that obesity was described as a 'habit,' potentially misleading listeners by implying it is merely a lifestyle choice. Despite these issues, half of the authors — one of whom was an AI expert — did not realize the podcasts were machine-generated. Many said they were 'shocked' or 'amazed' by the quality. Most of the participants were regular podcast listeners. Even those who suspected AI involvement were surprised by how natural and fluent the results sounded. Expanding Research Reach All authors agreed that future versions should clearly disclose AI involvement. Most also recommended adopting a more academic tone if the target audience includes researchers, along with a greater focus on study methods and limitations. Although patients and the general public were identified as the primary audience, the researchers noted that AI-generated podcasts could serve as a cost-effective, scalable way for healthcare professionals to stay current with new research. They also suggested the format could help broaden the visibility and reach of scientific publications. 'This could be a sustainable model to get the message out to people who do not typically read scientific journals,' Moons said. Still, he emphasized the need for human oversight 'to add nuance.' He envisions a hybrid model in which AI-generated content is supplemented with human input. That vision may already be taking shape. The beta version of Google's NotebookLM (currently available only in English) now allows real-time interaction with the AI. After launching a podcast, users can ask questions directly to one of the 'hosts.' The AI generates a spoken response, and the podcast then continues — seamlessly integrating human-machine dialogue.
Economic Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
How Indian students can unlock Google's Gemini AI Pro plan worth Rs 19,500 for free
Google is giving Indian college students a year's free access to its AI Pro plan, which normally costs Rs 19,500. The company made the announcement during its annual I/O event, pitching this as a way to help students handle studies, research and creative work without paying extra. The plan brings in Gemini 2.5 Pro, Veo 3 Fast, Deep Research, upgraded NotebookLM and a good 2TB of storage. Students will get Gemini 2.5 Pro, Google's latest and strongest AI model. It can break down complicated topics, give step-by-step help with homework and even prepare notes and practice tests. Upload an image or file and get help solving will also get Deep Research for pulling detailed information and NotebookLM with five times higher limits for notebooks and sources. Veo 3 Fast can turn text and images into videos. There is Flow and Whisk too, Google's AI video says the plan ties into everyday apps like Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides and Chrome. It means AI help slips into normal tasks like emails, spreadsheets and writing drafts. A joint study by Google and Kantar found that '95 percent of Indian students using Gemini feel more confident in their daily lives.' The research also noted that '75 percent of Indians are seeking AI collaboration tools for personal growth and excellence.'Google wants more students to get used to its tools early must be at least 18, living in India, with a valid college email ID. A personal Google Account and Google Payments account are also needed. Anyone with an active Google One plan cannot use this students have until 15 September 2025 to sign claim the plan, students should visit Google One or go to and click 'Get offer'. Then click 'Verify eligibility'.Students must verify their status through SheerID by uploading proof like a college ID, class timetable or fee receipt. Google says this check 'takes around half an hour'.It is important to note, 'Students must use their personal Gmail accounts rather than university-issued Google Workspace accounts for registration.' A payment method must be added but no money will be charged during the free will email reminders before the year ends so students can decide if they want to continue paying or interested should sort their documents soon and register before the 15 September 2025 cut-off. Those who miss the date will not get the free a rare chance to get Google's top AI tools without paying a rupee.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
How Indian students can unlock Google's Gemini AI Pro plan worth Rs 19,500 for free
Google is giving Indian college students a year's free access to its AI Pro plan, which normally costs Rs 19,500. The company made the announcement during its annual I/O event, pitching this as a way to help students handle studies, research and creative work without paying extra. The plan brings in Gemini 2.5 Pro , Veo 3 Fast, Deep Research, upgraded NotebookLM and a good 2TB of storage. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Management Technology MBA Degree Data Analytics Product Management others Leadership Project Management Public Policy Finance Operations Management Healthcare Design Thinking Others Data Science Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity PGDM Digital Marketing CXO healthcare Data Science MCA Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta CERT-IIMC APSPM India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK GMPBE India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK General Management Programme India Starts on undefined Get Details What AI tools is Google offering Students will get Gemini 2.5 Pro, Google's latest and strongest AI model. It can break down complicated topics, give step-by-step help with homework and even prepare notes and practice tests. Upload an image or file and get help solving problems. They will also get Deep Research for pulling detailed information and NotebookLM with five times higher limits for notebooks and sources. Veo 3 Fast can turn text and images into videos. There is Flow and Whisk too, Google's AI video tools. Google says the plan ties into everyday apps like Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides and Chrome. It means AI help slips into normal tasks like emails, spreadsheets and writing drafts. Live Events Why Google is doing this A joint study by Google and Kantar found that '95 percent of Indian students using Gemini feel more confident in their daily lives.' The research also noted that '75 percent of Indians are seeking AI collaboration tools for personal growth and excellence.' Google wants more students to get used to its tools early on. Who can apply and how Students must be at least 18, living in India, with a valid college email ID. A personal Google Account and Google Payments account are also needed. Anyone with an active Google One plan cannot use this offer. All students have until 15 September 2025 to sign up. To claim the plan, students should visit Google One or go to and click 'Get offer'. Then click 'Verify eligibility'. Students must verify their status through SheerID by uploading proof like a college ID, class timetable or fee receipt. Google says this check 'takes around half an hour'. It is important to note, 'Students must use their personal Gmail accounts rather than university-issued Google Workspace accounts for registration.' A payment method must be added but no money will be charged during the free year. Google will email reminders before the year ends so students can decide if they want to continue paying or cancel. What's the last date to apply? Students interested should sort their documents soon and register before the 15 September 2025 cut-off. Those who miss the date will not get the free upgrade. It's a rare chance to get Google's top AI tools without paying a rupee.
CNET
7 days ago
- CNET
NotebookLM Opens Up to a Wider World. Meet Its New Curated Collection of Expert Insights
I started using Google's nifty NotebookLM to sort through and make sense of my documents, notes, and stray bits of information. Now, the AI tool is getting a new series of "featured notebooks" from a variety of sources for all of us to explore. Google announced the new feature on Monday, along with partnerships with respected publications to supply a curated collection of notebooks that will grow over time. NotebookLM is a unique and powerful notetaking and research tool, and it's my overall favorite piece of AI kit available. Google continues to introduce new features that make it into a powerhouse for learning and research that you can use for school, work, play or somewhere in between. Here's what you need to know about the new featured notebook collection. For more, don't miss how Google Lens can be your personal travel tour guide. A few featured notebooks for starters Right now, the collection of featured notebooks is somewhat limited, though it will grow as time goes on. There are currently eight notebooks for you to explore: Each notebook allows you to explore the original sources, view a mind map, and listen to a pre-made Audio Overview. That's in addition to the ability to ask questions based on the sources in the chat, which is NotebookLM's simplest and most obvious use case. Google has partnered with both The Economist and The Atlantic, so you can expect to see additional collections of notebooks on the way from these publications. Public notebooks made featured notebooks possible Last month, Google introduced the ability to mark your notebooks as public so you could share them with anyone you wanted to. Google said there have been over 140,000 public notebooks created. While that's a bit tough to assess without additional data points, the introduction of public notebooks paved the way for featured notebooks. Previously, your creations were available to you and only you, unless you'd upgraded to the premium version of NotebookLM. More features on the way We know of at least one more feature that NotebookLM will eventually offer, and that's Video Overviews. Audio Overviews are already great -- so much so that Google has added them to more of its products. The introduction of Video Overviews will definitely appeal to those who could easily tune out when listening to audio or are more visual learners. There's no specific date attached to their arrival, outside of the "coming soon" timeline Google provided in a blog post during the Google I/O conference in May. The AI- and web-focused tech site Testing Catalog has been ahead of the game when it comes to discovering new features or features that Google is testing for NotebookLM. Here's what else they've managed to spot that could be on the way. AI flashcards: You can already create study guides with NotebookLM, but a new feature that could be of great benefit to students is the ability to generate flashcards on the fly based on your content sources. Discover sources via Google Drive: NotebookLM lets you find new sources in the Discover Sources section. You type in what you're looking for, and it scour the web for relevant content. Soon, that search may extend to Google Drive. Interactive Quizzes: Google's making NotebookLM a go-to assistant for students, and it might add interactive quizzes based on your sources. Microsoft Word doc support: Right now, when you're trying to select a source from Google Drive, you can only choose between Google Docs or Google Slides. In the future, it appears that NotebookLM might gain support for adding Microsoft Word docs that are also in your Drive, too. For more, don't miss the 11 things you should stop using ChatGPT for right now.
