I’ve been utilizing NotebookLM on my desktop since final yr, and for some time, that felt like the one place it actually made sense.
I attempted the cell app early on, but it surely felt fairly barebones on the time, so I ended utilizing it and didn’t assume a lot of it.
That modified just lately after I opened it on my telephone to examine an outdated pocket book whereas I used to be away from my laptop. I wasn’t anticipating a lot, however the app felt noticeably extra succesful than I remembered.
Since then, I’ve discovered myself returning to it extra typically, and it has change into a way more helpful a part of my workflow than I anticipated.
I paired NotebookLM with YouTube and discovered quicker than I ever did with note-taking apps
This unlikely duo upgraded my studying routine
My analysis is abruptly out there all over the place
One of many largest benefits of getting NotebookLM on my telephone is that I can entry my notebooks from anyplace.
Once I use NotebookLM on my laptop, it normally occurs throughout targeted analysis classes. I add sources, learn by means of paperwork, ask questions, and attempt to piece collectively concepts for no matter I’m engaged on.
On my telephone, although, the dynamic adjustments. As a substitute of sitting right down to analysis, I can open NotebookLM every time a thought crosses my thoughts. If I keep in mind a element from a doc or need to examine one thing I beforehand uploaded, I can ask.
That’s surprisingly useful once you’re in the course of one thing else. You would possibly abruptly surprise a few idea you learn earlier, or need to double-check a truth earlier than writing one thing down.
As a substitute of digging by means of PDFs or notes later, I can ask NotebookLM and get a solution based mostly by myself sources.
That stated, there are nonetheless a couple of gaps.
Whereas I can entry beforehand generated content material, like Audio Overviews or Slide Decks, I can’t revisit all the things from the Studio panel. Issues like older notes or Thoughts Maps aren’t out there there but.
I’ve encountered this limitation a number of occasions, and I hope Google will broaden entry sooner or later.
Audio Overviews make it simpler to atone for my notes
One characteristic I didn’t count on to make use of as a lot on my telephone is Audio Overview in NotebookLM. As a substitute of studying by means of all the things, I can put my earbuds on and take heed to a abstract of my notes.
It’s surprisingly sensible in conditions the place studying isn’t ultimate, reminiscent of strolling, commuting, and even doing chores.
As a substitute of setting apart time to scroll by means of prolonged paperwork, I can go over the important thing factors whereas doing one thing else. The summaries present a fast refresher or assist me perceive one thing with out going by means of all the small print.
What makes this work is how properly it matches into these in-between moments. I don’t want to remain glued to my display screen.
It’s price noting that producing a brand new Audio Overview can take some time. In my expertise, it may take round 10 to fifteen minutes, which isn’t one thing you need to look ahead to.
I normally do one thing else whereas it’s processing, and the app notifies me when it’s prepared. Due to that, I are likely to rely extra on Audio Overviews I’ve already generated and saved within the Studio panel, since they’re immediately accessible.
The app makes lengthy paperwork simpler to deal with
Studying lengthy paperwork on a telephone isn’t at all times the most effective expertise. Even when the display screen is massive, scrolling by means of dozens of pages of textual content on a small show can really feel tedious.
As a substitute of making an attempt to learn all the things on my telephone, I can ask NotebookLM to summarize a doc or clarify a very powerful factors. Inside seconds, it supplies a concise rationalization of the fabric, typically with references to the supply.
That makes it a lot simpler to revisit analysis after I solely have a couple of minutes to spare. Moderately than committing to a full studying session, I can shortly refresh my reminiscence about the important thing concepts in a doc.
My notes don’t really feel static anymore
One other factor I’ve began utilizing extra in NotebookLM is the power to show my notes into codecs which might be simpler to revisit. As a substitute of going again and rereading all the things, I can change to one thing that higher matches the state of affairs.
Flashcards are probably the most sensible for fast revision. If I’ve gone by means of a prolonged doc or a dense subject, turning it into Flashcards helps me give attention to the important thing factors with out having to skim your entire factor.
Quizzes take {that a} step additional. They’re helpful after I need to examine if I’ve understood one thing.
And if I want one thing extra structured, I can create or entry Slide Decks based mostly on my notes. I don’t use this on a regular basis, but it surely’s helpful after I need a extra organized, presentation-style breakdown.
NotebookLM on my telephone is a helpful analysis companion
Utilizing NotebookLM on my telephone has change into an even bigger a part of my workflow than I anticipated.
What I as soon as dismissed as a barebones cell app has became a device I can depend on for fast analysis, revisiting outdated notes, and staying related to my concepts irrespective of the place I’m.
From Audio Overviews I can take heed to whereas strolling, to Flashcards, Quizzes, Infographics, and Slide Decks that make reviewing faster, the app helps me benefit from quick pockets of downtime.
It hasn’t changed my desktop workflow for deep work, however on cell, NotebookLM makes my time away from the desk surprisingly productive.