Between Gmail, Google Hold, and random chat threads, I believed I had a reasonably good deal with on my emails and conversations.

Nonetheless, after I fed this mess into NotebookLM, I spotted simply how a lot I used to be lacking.

It remembered context, grouped associated concepts, and even answered oddly particular questions similar to, “What are the primary initiatives I’ve been speaking about this month?”

Right here is how I arrange NotebookLM to make sense of my emails and texts, and why it modified the way in which I take into consideration managing info overload.

Gathering collectively all my sources

Step one was to gather knowledge from the 4 locations I take advantage of most: Gmail, Google Hold, WhatsApp, and Google Messages.

Emails

I began with emails, which have been surprisingly simple to wrangle.

I exported a batch of key threads from Gmail associated to challenge discussions, shopper updates, and private back-and-forth.

To reserve it as a PDF, open an e-mail, click on the printer icon on the high, and choose Save as PDF subsequent to Vacation spot.

Google Hold notes

Subsequent was Google Hold, which I exported by opening every notice I needed to incorporate and pasting it right into a single textual content file.

You can even use Google Takeout for this, however I discovered guide curation sooner after I solely wanted 10 or so notes.

Messages and chats

For Google Messages, I did not attempt to export the whole lot.

As an alternative, I opened a number of key conversations, copied the related elements (similar to ongoing plans or challenge follow-ups), and dropped them into Google Docs. I named it Messages abstract earlier than importing it as a supply.

Alternatively, you should utilize a third-party app similar to SMS Backup & Restore.

First, take a backup of your messages and reserve it in your cellphone. Go to View Backups and choose a dialog. Faucet the three-dot menu icon and choose Print dialog > Save as PDF.

I additionally included conversations from WhatsApp since I take advantage of it continuously. I exported a gaggle chat with my closest associates utilizing the app’s built-in Export chat possibility.

To export a WhatsApp dialog, open the chat, faucet the three-dot menu icon, faucet Extra, and choose Export chat.

Analyzing convoluted e-mail threads

Utilizing NotebookLM for fast recaps

Credit score: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police | Reezky Pradata / Shutterstock

I uploaded a PDF of a protracted thread from a challenge workforce that had carried on with out me whereas I used to be on vacation.

After I acquired again, the thread had dozens of replies and last-minute modifications buried deep in replies I hadn’t learn.

As an alternative of scrolling endlessly to catch up, I requested NotebookLM to summarize what the workforce members had determined whereas I used to be away and spotlight any pending duties or open questions.

Inside seconds, it produced a neatly structured abstract.

Making sense of my Google Hold notes

NotebookLM is ideal for evaluation

My Google Hold is a multitude of e book notes, grocery lists, to-do gadgets, and random ideas.

It is splendid for fast seize, however horrible after I really need to search out one thing. So I uploaded a handful of notes to NotebookLM to see what it might make of them.

I requested NotebookLM: What recurring themes do you see in these notes? It grouped comparable ideas, like concepts for simplifying my digital setup, recurring mentions of time blocking, and quotes I would saved from articles about productiveness.

Now, when my Hold notes begin piling up, I do not trouble organizing them manually. I copy them into NotebookLM and let it summarize the content material.

What my conversations revealed

When NotebookLM met my WhatsApp chats

Credit score: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police | Mongta Studio / Shuterstock

For enjoyable, I exported a protracted WhatsApp group chat with my associates.

I needed to see how NotebookLM would interpret one thing casual and unstructured.

Initially, I inquired about fundamental matters similar to the primary themes of the chat and who texts probably the most. However then I went one step additional and gave it a extra playful immediate:

Primarily based on the WhatsApp group chat, describe our group dynamic as a actuality present narrator.

The response was hilarious and surprisingly correct.

NotebookLM described one good friend because the “resident voice of motive,” one other because the “wry humorist,” and me because the “popular culture translator.” It even recognized operating jokes and recurring plans we by no means adopted by means of on.

However not the whole lot was correct. Typically it over-interpreted jokes or misinterpret sarcasm.

Nonetheless, as a lighthearted experiment, it was some of the entertaining methods I’ve used NotebookLM but.

The place NotebookLM falls brief

It has a number of tough edges

Credit score: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police | Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock

Regardless of the intriguing insights it supplied, NotebookLM has some limitations.

NotebookLM excels at summarizing information and threads, but it surely typically overlooks nuance, similar to sarcasm in a gaggle chat or emotional tone in an e-mail thread.

After I requested it to explain my group chat dynamic like a actuality present narrator, it nailed the humor, however its summaries of great threads typically flattened the that means.

Whereas NotebookLM is designed for cross-referencing concepts, formatting knowledge and supply limitations could be irritating.

PDFs, plain textual content paperwork, and Google Docs are all acceptable codecs, however incorporating exports from apps like Messages requires further effort.

NotebookLM helped join the dots

After I first uploaded my emails and chats to NotebookLM, I hoped to obtain neat summaries.

As an alternative, it went additional and clearly outlined my communication patterns, which have been each fascinating and barely uncomfortable.

NotebookLM supplied insights that I might not have been in a position to compile by myself. It linked notes to previous emails, retrieving forgotten follow-ups and highlighting recurring themes.

Nonetheless, it was not flawless. Typically, it drew odd connections or misinterpret context in informal conversations.

Nonetheless, as a approach to reduce by means of the noise and see the larger image, it’s simply some of the helpful instruments I’ve tried in years.

Google’s collaborative messaging platform, Google Chat, is beginning to experiment with a visible replace to get with the occasions.

Following within the footsteps of different core Google apps like Gmail, Google Images, Chrome, Google Messages, and extra, Google’s new Materials 3 Expressive design language is now making its strategy to Google Chat.

This comes quickly after the platform gained enhanced Gemini summaries, paired with an early have a look at Gemini’s performance on the platform’s Android app.

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For reference, a few of these modifications have already made their strategy to Google Chat inside Gmail. The brand new improvement brings these modifications and extra to the standalone Google Chat Android app.

As noticed by the parents over at Android Authority after tinkering with Google Chat’s current model 2025.06.15.773069301.Launch construct, these modifications embrace a redesigned app dwelling display with a brand new backside bar, tweaks to the direct messages listing, ‘sections’ display, clear separation between components on the Sections display, paired with very minor modifications to the precise chat display.

Broader consistency throughout Google’s apps

Previous (left), new (proper)

For starters, the app’s dwelling display backside bar seems thicker with the brand new change, full with a brand new plus icon to switch the present new chat floating motion button (FAB). It additionally pops with a softer and extra rounded aesthetic, which is in line with Materials 3 Expressive modifications noticed in different Google apps. Elsewhere, icons throughout the backside bar are highlighted with a lighter background when in comparison with the present look.

The Direct messages display seems to focus on the app’s search bar tablet (on the prime) in white as an alternative of a grey gradient, paired with chats being grouped in contrasting containers. The Sections display, however, separates Areas and Apps into their very own separate containers, paired with diminished boldness for headers throughout all pages.

Most significantly, the chat display throughout the Expressive construct seems with a grey message subject (in comparison with the present clear look), paired with a brand new vertical pill-shaped container for the attachment (plus) icon on the left.

These aren’t drastic modifications by any measure, however they do mark essential steps in direction of modernizing the app expertise and bringing visible consistency throughout the tech large’s suite of core apps.

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Collaborate and chat with this light-weight messaging app

Beforehand, US carriers had been gradual to heat as much as the RCS messaging protocol. Whereas iPhone house owners have had iMessages for years, Android customers usually relied on third-party messaging apps like WhatsApp. Google has led the push for RCS since 2019, bringing in a brand new safe normal to the Google Messages app.

With RCS, Android’s Messages app gives nice in-house options. You will discover typing indicators, inline replies, group chats, video calls, and picture and video sharing. RCS messaging works on all Android telephones, whether or not you could have a Google Pixel 9 Professional or a finances cellphone. Our information covers RCS and the right way to flip it on or off whereas outlining its distinctive options.

What’s RCS Messaging, and what’s totally different about it vs. common textual content messages (SMS)?

Wealthy Communications Providers (RCS) is a communication protocol that replaces MMS and SMS messages on Android units. It was created in 2007 however solely grew regularly till Google started pushing it.

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RCS messaging simply may be the best way of the longer term

In 2019, Google labored carefully with the GSMA, its members, and carriers worldwide to create a common profile for RCS that makes use of Android’s Messages shopper. Many Android customers can now use RCS Messaging, which was adopted on iOS within the September 2024 iOS 18 replace. With each events utilizing RCS chat, a unified messaging expertise with Android and Apple is feasible. Nonetheless, it comes with rising pains.

The RCS replace gives a greater messaging expertise with options just like these in iMessage, WhatsApp, and Fb Messenger. It additionally consists of privateness options, like encrypted messaging, enhanced media sharing, group chats, and real-time typing indicators.

Supply: Google

Most fashionable Android telephones ship with Google Messages because the default texting app. Google has RCS out there on the app if the service/area helps it. Although the choice shouldn’t be on by default, it needs to be enabled via the settings.

Google Messages might immediate you to activate RCS earlier than you set it up

The Messages app prompts you to activate RCS if you have not finished so already throughout setup. When the immediate beneath reveals up, you are able to arrange and use RCS.

You possibly can inform you’re sending RCS Chat messages when the enter dialog field says Chat message or RCS message. If Google Messages would not immediate you to activate RCS Chat, comply with the directions within the subsequent part to show it on.

The best way to activate RCS chats within the Google Messages app

If you happen to’re opening the Google Messages app for the primary time or resetting your cellphone, you might have to activate chat options manually.

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Faucet your Google account profile image within the upper-right nook for extra choices.
3. Choose Messages settings.

   

   

4. Select RCS chats.
5. If the toggle swap for Activate RCS chats is off (circle on the left aspect), faucet it to show it on.

   

   

6. You may be requested to confirm your cellphone quantity.
7. You will see Standing: Linked when verification is full. Whenever you’re linked, RCS is able to go.

   

   

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The best way to flip off RCS chats within the Google Messages app

Though RCS improves the texting expertise, it may not be your most popular resolution. You could need to flip it off if RCS is not for you. When you’ve got points with the connection, turning off the setting and reactivating it may be purpose to take action.

To show off the RCS chat options in your machine, do the next:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Faucet your profile image within the upper-right nook.
3. Select Messages settings, then faucet RCS chats.
4. If Activate RCS chats is activated (circle on the best aspect), swap it off.
5. A pop-up window warns that you will be faraway from group RCS chats. Faucet Flip off to proceed.

   

   

With RCS turned off, the messages you ship and obtain revert to conventional SMS/MMS textual content format till you activate RCS once more. Turning off RCS earlier than you get a brand new cellphone can also be advisable to keep away from potential messaging points from the earlier machine. If you happen to maintain your previous cellphone, it is easy to deactivate these settings. If you happen to now not have entry to it, Google has a kind you’ll be able to fill out to deregister your cellphone quantity.

The best way to know in case your message is shipped by information, SMS, or MMS

You possibly can inform how your message shall be despatched by wanting on the Ship icon whereas composing your message.

• A daily ship arrow or an arrow with a lock icon signifies Wi-Fi or cell information.
• A ship arrow with SMS written beneath signifies SMS.
• A ship arrow with MMS written beneath signifies MMS.

Understanding RCS chat statuses

Your RCS chat standing tells you if RCS is activated in your machine. To seek out it:

1. Faucet your profile image within the upper-right nook of the display screen.
2. Choose Messages settings from the drop-down menu.
3. Choose Basic from the choices.

   

   

4. Faucet RCS chats.

   

   

The primary possibility is the standing, and it may be one of many following:

• Linked: Reveals that you should utilize RCS chats with individuals who have them activated.
• Organising: Signifies that Google is verifying your cellphone quantity. This could take a couple of minutes. If it takes longer, faucet Retry subsequent to the standing.
• Disconnected: Signifies that RCS chats are briefly unavailable. Guarantee your web connection is lively and examine once more.

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What RCS options does Google Messages have?

RCS chat can share high-resolution images and movies, which is an enchancment over conventional texts. You may also ship messages over Wi-Fi and cell information. You possibly can establish whether or not somebody turned on RCS by checking for a bubble badge on the house display screen.

Within the RCS chats part of the Settings menu, you may see extra choices to reinforce your chats:

• Ship learn receipts: This characteristic marks a message as delivered after sending or learn when the recipient sees it. A single examine mark signifies that your message was despatched, a double examine means your message was delivered, and a color-filled double examine signifies that the recipient learn your message. To activate learn receipts, go to Messages settings > RCS chats > Ship learn receipts.
• Present typing indicators: Turning this on lets others know you are typing, indicating that your reply is in progress. To activate typing indicators, navigate to Messages settings > RCS chats > Present typing indicators.
• Mechanically resend as textual content (SMS/MMS): If switched on, your message is shipped as a standard textual content if RCS is not out there.
• Mechanically obtain recordsdata you obtain over cell information: This management limits the scale of recordsdata or turns off downloads when utilizing cell information.
• Mechanically obtain recordsdata whereas roaming: This toggle is off by default to stop the potential for further service expenses.

  

  

Google Messages default built-in options

• Message reactions: If each customers have RCS turned on, you’ll be able to react to one another’s messages. Press and maintain the message you need to react to, and a menu with emoji to pick out pops up. Faucet the emoji you need to react with, and the opposite individual can see your response. This works for all customers, with or with out RCS.
• Group messages: A gaggle message is created if all customers texted have RCS. This group message lets all customers make the most of RCS options. As an illustration, if one individual is typing, the opposite customers see that.
• Finish-to-end encryption: Encryption is activated if each customers have RCS. You are utilizing encryption if you see a lock icon subsequent to your learn receipt on a message you despatched. RCS chat makes use of Transport Layer Safety (TLS) encryption. This implies messages seem as unreadable textual content to anybody trying to intercept your messages.
• Reply to particular person messages: You possibly can reply to a selected message in a dialog to make it clear what you are responding to. Maintain down the message and faucet the arrow that pops as much as reply to the message.
• Watch YouTube movies in app: If somebody sends a hyperlink to a YouTube video, you’ll be able to watch it within the app and reply rapidly.
• Sensible reply: These one-tap responses make primary communication tremendous fast and simple.

No extra iMessage envy with Google Messages and RCS

RCS messaging is a step up from common texting. It consists of end-to-end encryption, media sharing, location sharing, and typing indicators. Apple has even given into the RCS requirements for messaging. Apple adopted RCS Messaging with iOS 18. With RCS chat activated on Apple and Android, texting between units is less complicated with out utilizing AirMessage.

Android’s native contact administration app,

Google Contacts
, may quickly be poised to get a stable enhance in performance. The applying, for reference, unlocked the choice to assign emojis and monograms to contact account footage again in February this yr, adopted by the introduction of a brand new card within the Manage tab.

The tab goals to make it easier for customers to entry their sync settings, paired with quick access to fast data just like the variety of contacts saved of their Google account and the final time the account was synced to the cloud.

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Now, following a two-month hiatus from any main Google Contacts information, a brand new function has been noticed that can make it simpler for customers to maintain observe of their digital relationships.

As noticed within the newest Google Contacts construct (model 4.54.40.752377034) by the parents over at Android Authority, Google is planning to roll out a brand new ‘Latest exercise’ part that can work on a per-card foundation, highlighting latest calls and messages made to and from that particular contact.

Fast interplay entry

For what it is price, the function is not dwell for us with the newest construct. It may very well be tied to a server-side replace, or could be rolled out extensively with a subsequent replace. When obtainable, although, it would want specific permissions to have the ability to floor data for you. “To view calls and messages out of your contacts, permit this app to entry that information,” reads the part’s preliminary immediate.

As soon as the mandatory permissions are given, the part will spotlight the newest textual content message (acquired or despatched), alongside the newest name (acquired or made), and related dates. Tapping on the decision entry opens your default dialer software, possible with the particular contact’s telephone quantity already populated. Equally, tapping on the latest message opens your dialog with stated contact in your default messaging app. The function works whatever the final acquired message’s customary, but it surely solely highlights textual content.

The Latest exercise part merely does not seem on the cardboard for contacts with whom there aren’t any name logs or messages.

Google Messages is our go-to messaging platform, primarily due to its fixed inflow of new options.

We all know that the Mountain View-based tech big is engaged on sorting spammy worldwide texts into a very separate folder, alongside bringing encryption to RCS chats with iPhone customers. The platform has been noticed with an up to date textual content discipline for chats, and it appears to be like like chat bubbles is likely to be subsequent in line to obtain a contemporary coat.

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A extra concise indicator for SMS and RCS chats

The messaging platform will reportedly quickly bear a number of visible enhancements to make the general app much more intuitive and user-friendly. As noticed by Assemble Debug in a report for Android Authority, the newest model of the Google Messages app provides hints about redesigned chat bubbles.

At present, consecutive messages, though separated into particular person bubbles, seem as a block of textual content bundled collectively. With Google’s upcoming implementation, messages despatched one after the opposite will all be housed in individually outlined bubbles that are curved on all sides, akin to the likes of WhatsApp and Apple’s iMessage, as seen within the screenshot beneath.

Supply: Android Authority

Whereas not an enormous change, it does make it simpler to tell apart separate messages from each other, whereas additionally considerably bettering readability.

Moreover, customers ought to quickly additionally have the ability to increase a contact’s profile picture by immediately tapping it from their profile part. Contemplating the individuality of profile photos, the bigger picture upon tapping will solely seem for particular person chats and never for group conversations. At present, once you faucet on somebody’s profile image of their profile part, it yields no outcomes.

A greater organized GIF part redesign is likely to be on the best way

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Rolling out in beta for some

This final replace will primarily be of use to dual-SIM system customers. Google Messages lastly started rolling out dual-SIM RCS help for Google Messages again in August, and it’s now engaged on methods to determine which SIM is presently in use.

The APK teardown revealed that customers can anticipate to start out seeing their SIM card data in group chats, highlighting which telephone quantity is getting used to ship messages. The characteristic is reportedly restricted to group chats, although its implementation can be equally helpful in particular person chats.

Supply: Android Authority

Lastly, customers would possibly quickly begin seeing the GIF choice display arrange GIFs in categorized sections, as an alternative of the present hashtag-based group.

It’s presently unsure when these adjustments would possibly roll out. They’re anticipated to be included in a future Google Messages replace. Based mostly on the polished look of those options in screenshots, it’s potential that their implementation may not be too far off.