Google has announced the rollout of a new "notebooks" feature for its Gemini AI chatbot, alongside the integration of its research tool NotebookLM directly into the Gemini application. The feature allows users to organize topic-specific files, conversations, and instructions within dedicated spaces. This functionality is part of a broader series of AI-related updates to Google’s Workspace suite, including Gmail, Google Meet, Docs, Sheets, and Drive.
Notebooks Feature in Gemini
Google’s Gemini AI chatbot is introducing a feature called "notebooks." This feature is designed to let users create dedicated spaces for organizing information related to specific topics or projects.
Functionality and Capabilities
- Users can add various types of content to a notebook, including files (from a computer or Google Drive), website URLs, YouTube videos, copy-pasted text, and previous conversations with Gemini.
- Users can provide custom instructions regarding tone and response format for interactions within a notebook.
- Gemini will consider all chats and sources within a notebook as contextual information when generating responses. A "notebook memory" setting can be disabled.
- When opened, a notebook displays its sources above the prompt box and a list of associated chats below.
Comparison to Other Products
The notebooks feature shares similarities with ChatGPT's "Projects" feature, which was introduced in 2024 for consolidating topic-related content.
Integration with NotebookLM
Google has described notebooks as "personal knowledge bases shared across Google products." Sources added to notebooks within Gemini will be synchronized with Google's NotebookLM AI research tool, and vice versa.
Availability and Rollout
- The rollout of the notebooks feature began on the web for subscribers of Google’s AI Ultra, Pro, and Plus plans.
- The feature was subsequently made available to free users.
- The feature is not available for Workspace or Education accounts, or for users under the age of 18.
- Google plans to extend the feature to mobile platforms and the Mac app in the coming weeks.
Source Limits per Notebook
- Free users: up to 50 sources
- AI Plus subscribers: up to 100 sources
- Pro subscribers: up to 300 sources
- Ultra subscribers: up to 600 sources
NotebookLM Integration and Updates
Google has fully integrated its NotebookLM research tool into the Gemini application, allowing users to create notebooks directly within the Gemini chatbot. Previously, NotebookLM was available as a standalone application and as a source within Gemini.
Functionality
- The option to create a new notebook is accessible in Gemini’s side panel.
- NotebookLM can use sources including PDFs, documents, website URLs, YouTube videos, and copy-pasted text to create a searchable repository of information.
- Gemini can generate outputs such as reviewers, infographics, and video or audio overviews based on uploaded information.
- A new feature generates 60-second vertical AI videos, similar to short-form social media content, based on uploaded sources.
- Users can start a research project by asking questions, and NotebookLM will use Google Search to find relevant sources.
Model and Export Updates
- NotebookLM now uses Google’s Gemini 3.5 model.
- Export formats include PDF, DOCX, Markdown, text files, CSV, JSON, data visualizations (.png, .svg), Microsoft Excel, and PowerPoint.
Disclaimer
Google advises users within the NotebookLM interface that the tool can be inaccurate and recommends verifying the information it provides.
Availability
- The integration and updates are rolling out to Google AI Ultra and Pro subscribers, and Workspace customers with AI Ultra Access and AI Expanded Access.
- Support for free users is planned for the future.
- The video generation feature is currently rolling out in English only.
Gmail Updates
Google has introduced and tested several AI-powered features for Gmail, including a new "AI Inbox" view and a conversational voice search feature called "Gmail Live."
AI Inbox
- A new "AI Inbox" tab is in beta testing. It processes user emails to suggest action items and key topics, linking each suggestion back to the original email.
- Google has stated that AI models "can make mistakes" and that information processed by AI tools in inboxes will not be used to train its foundational AI models.
- Users can disable Gmail’s new AI tools.
Gmail Live
- Gmail Live is a voice search feature that allows users to search their inbox conversationally and receive AI-generated responses from emails.
- The feature is currently in testing on Android and iOS. It will roll out to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in summer 2026.
Changes to the Gemini Side Panel
- Google has discontinued the Gemini side panel for AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the United States.
- Much of the side panel’s functionality (e.g., summarizing threads, drafting emails) has been integrated into new "in-line AI experiences" within Gmail.
Other Expanded Features
- The "Help Me Write" tool and "AI Overviews" for email threads, previously exclusive to paying subscribers, have been made available to all Gmail users.
- Subscribers to Google AI Ultra and Pro plans have access to an AI proofreading tool and comprehensive AI Overviews that search the entire inbox.
Workspace Suite Updates (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Meet)
Google announced new AI-powered features across its Workspace applications at recent events (Google Cloud Next 2026 and Google I/O 2026).
Google Docs
- "Help me create": Generates initial drafts based on user instructions and information from Gmail, Chat, and Drive.
- "Help me write": Suggests edits, which users must approve.
- "Match writing style": Adjusts writing style for consistency when multiple authors collaborate.
- "Match doc format": Applies the formatting of an existing document to a new one.
Google Sheets
- Automated spreadsheet creation: Users can describe a desired spreadsheet, and Sheets generates it, including populating data from Gmail, Chat, and Drive.
- "Fill with Gemini": Populates tables by generating custom text, categorizing data, or pulling real-time information from Google Search.
- A new "Canvas" feature enables the creation of dashboards, heat maps, kanban boards, and other interactive visualizations.
Google Slides
- Generates editable slides that match a chosen theme, drawing context from user files, emails, and the web.
- Users can adjust slide elements (e.g., colors, style) with prompts.
Google Drive
- "AI Overviews": Provides summaries of the most relevant information at the top of search results, citing sources.
- "Ask Gemini in Drive": Enables complex questions across documents, emails, calendar, and the web.
- A new "Projects" feature is being added to help organize files and emails.
Google Meet
- The "Take Notes for Me" feature, which uses Gemini to generate transcripts, meeting summaries, and action items, has been expanded to in-person meetings and meetings on Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Workspace Studio
- The platform is adding "skills" for common tasks, available from any Gemini in Workspace chat (e.g., automating invoice reviews).
Availability
- The new features are rolling out in beta to Google AI Ultra and Pro subscribers.
- Availability is worldwide in English for Docs, Sheets, and Slides, and in the U.S. for Drive.
Additional Developments
Gemini App File Export and Personalization
- The Gemini app now allows users to generate downloadable files in Google Workspace formats, PDF, DOCX, XLSX, CSV, LaTeX, TXT, RTF, and MD. This feature is available globally to all Gemini app users.
- Personalization features, including Memories (retaining user-provided preferences) and the ability to import chats from other AI apps, are rolling out in the UK.
Google Keep
- Google is testing conversational voice features in the Keep notes app.
Chrome Enterprise
- Workspace customers can now use an "agentic auto browse" feature for multi-step tasks on the web.
Developer Tools
- Google has made a new Workspace MCP Server available for third-party app integration.
- An official Workspace CLI is coming soon to help developers manage integrations.