Google is working on a bunch of new features to expand NotebookLM’s Audio Overview capabilities. If we go by the findings of Testing Catalog, the company is working on three new formats for Audio Overviews, along with more voice options. So let’s take a closer look at what’s coming on NotebookLM’s popular Audio Overviews.
Three New Audio Formats on the Way
The platform is expected to include new Brief, Critique, and Debate formats. These modes appear to be hidden behind a feature flag but are already operational in the production environment, indicating that a public release may not be far off.
The Brief mode will provide a concise two-to-three-minute summary delivered by a single voice. Unlike the current Deep Dive format, which allows users to set the length, Brief is fixed, catering to those who need quick takeaways.
Critique introduces a more interactive approach. Two AI hosts analyse user-submitted content, such as articles or blog posts, offering actionable feedback. Early testing shows it could be especially helpful for content creators or anyone seeking critical insights.
And last but not least, Debate brings in a conversational layer, with two AI hosts taking opposing stances on a topic. By framing contrasting arguments from the same set of sources, this format could appeal to users interested in multiple perspectives.
More Voice Options in the Works
There’s another important update, which is currently in the testing phase, which is support for more AI voices. Current Audio Overview sessions offer little flexibility, but the new formats are already making use of extra male and female voices. It’s not confirmed if users will be able to pick or mix voices. However, the tests indicate that the company is moving in that direction.
Apart from that, NotebookLM also appears to be upgrading how it suggests report formats. Instead of the standard Study Guide, FAQ, and Briefing Doc, Gemini will analyse a user’s notebook sources and recommend structures tailored to the material. The redesign extends to the Studio’s customisation UI, with upcoming changes bringing all options.
Obviously, the company has not revealed any official details about these upcoming features. But Simon, who leads NotebookLM, recently posted on X, saying, “Buckle up! Going to be quite the week!” So it will not be wrong to expect that these features might start rolling out soon. But until we have some sort of official confirmation from the company itself, it’s better to take all the information with a grain of salt.
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