Google's Bold Move at I/O 2025

In a major announcement at the 2025 I/O developer conference, Google unveiled the much-anticipated mobile version of NotebookLM, its award-winning AI-powered application that was previously web-only. Now available on both Google Play and Apple App Stores, this upgrade aims to revolutionize how users interact with AI.

What Is NotebookLM?

For those unfamiliar, NotebookLM is a free service that allows users to upload documents and query them effortlessly. What began as a document processor has evolved into a dynamic AI podcast generator. It features two charismatic AI hosts—one male and one female—who converse engagingly about topics guided by user-supplied materials, including PDFs and YouTube videos.

Rising Demand for Mobile Functionality

The introduction of the mobile app comes in response to popular demand. Many users expressed a need for more flexibility in using NotebookLM, wanting to interact with AI, listen to summaries on-the-go, and share content directly from their phones. Upon its release, the app quickly soared to the second spot in the Apple App Store’s Productivity category—an impressive feat within just 24 hours.

Features Designed for On-the-Go Users

The mobile iteration of NotebookLM is tailored for convenience, allowing users to download Audio Overviews of their uploaded documents for offline playback. This feature is a game changer for those who want to listen while commuting, hiking, or in areas with weak connectivity.

Engaging AI Hosts Enhance User Experience

Users can now engage with AI hosts in real-time, asking questions or requesting specific content during playback—an exciting addition that brings a new level of interactivity.

Seamless Content Sharing Made Easy

Another boon of the app is its streamlined content-sharing capabilities. Users can directly share links, PDFs, and YouTube videos to NotebookLM from apps on their phones, enhancing the platform's usability.

Currently Available for iOS and Android Users

The NotebookLM app is now available for download on iOS and Android, requiring iOS 17 or later for iPhones and iPads and Android 10 or higher for Android devices. As a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), it promises ongoing updates based on user feedback.

A Sneak Peek: Video Overviews Coming Soon!

Looking ahead, NotebookLM teased an exciting new feature: Video Overviews, which will allow users to create short, animated video summaries from a variety of content—set to launch soon.

User Experience: A Mixed Bag

Initial hands-on testing of the iOS app revealed both exciting potential and some user experience challenges. While the interface aligns with Google’s sleek Material Design, there were inconsistencies, particularly when adding new URLs as sources. Users received error messages that were often cryptic, making troubleshooting frustrating.

Enterprise Implications: A Tool for the Future of Work

For enterprise leaders, NotebookLM is more than just a personal productivity app; it's becoming a robust tool for research and collaboration within organizations. The launch of NotebookLM Business and its upgrade to NotebookLM Plus shows Google's commitment to enhancing business functionalities, such as increased capacity for notebooks and sources, collaboration features, and usage analytics.

Ensuring Privacy and Compliance

An onboarding screen in the app highlights that NotebookLM does not utilize personal data for training. For users within regulated industries or organizations with stringent data policies, this compliance factor could ease concerns surrounding implementation.

Early Adoption and Future Potential

Notably, several startups and venture capital firms have already adopted NotebookLM as a replacement for traditional documentation methods. As the app continues to evolve, its business-tier features align perfectly with the modern team’s digital productivity and compliance needs.