NotebookLM tests new customisation flow and Gmail integration

Recent updates to Google’s NotebookLM point to an expanded focus on personal knowledge management and study support. These additions would be useful for students, researchers, and professionals who need to turn their own documents into learning materials or summaries. The newly spotted customisation menu for audio overviews introduces preset modes like deep dive, debate, or critique, letting users tailor the format of the generated audio. After selecting a mode, users can adjust language, length, and include custom instructions, which provides a higher level of control compared to previous versions. This new approach is also reflected in the customisation of flashcards and quizzes, where users can select between flashcards or quizzes, specify the number of questions or cards, and set the difficulty to low, medium, or high.

These customisation features will likely appear within the Notebook Apps section, where users will be able to access experimental tools for study aids. The enhanced control aims to help users generate more relevant and personalised materials from their own notes or imported documents. Google is also improving the layout, making these options more discoverable and easier to use.

Beyond content creation, NotebookLM is expanding its integrations. The addition of Gmail as a source, alongside Google Drive, points to broader connectivity within the Google ecosystem. While there is not yet an option to pull in Google Sheets specifically, the direction suggests users will soon be able to choose Drive as a whole, streamlining how they import resources. This Gmail integration may be significant for those whose research or project materials are scattered across emails, allowing for easier information gathering. Earlier hints from Google’s team on X suggest that future plans might include integration with more third-party platforms (MCPs), potentially opening up NotebookLM to a wider range of data sources.

On the company side, Google’s move aligns with its strategy of consolidating user workflows inside its own productivity tools, keeping users within the Google ecosystem. The quick pace of these feature rollouts, such as the recent launch of video overviews, signals ongoing investment in AI-driven learning and information management. As these new customisation and integration features develop, they could help NotebookLM better compete with other personal AI assistants and study tools, particularly in educational and productivity markets.