Google is enhancing the Gemini integration within its Workspace suite, unveiling several new features for its often-overlooked NotebookLM tool. One of the standout updates is the capability to produce structured tables in Google Sheets using simple text prompts.
Previously, all tables generated by the AI were presented in a plain text format, with headers highlighted only in bold. This approach made the tables appear bland and uninviting, devoid of any formatting or design flair.
Now, the “Create a table” feature in the Gemini sidebar for Sheets has received an upgrade. Users can easily modify the core input phrases and generate a well-structured table adorned with vibrant highlights, dropdown menus, and shaded cells within just a few seconds.
This feature is set to be available for “Workspace customers with Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium add-ons, as well as users holding the Google One AI Premium subscription.”
The initial rollout seems to prioritize business and enterprise users. Currently, individuals with access to Gemini Advanced via a Google One AI Premium subscription may not yet have the ability to craft structured tables in Google Sheets.
An underrated gem improves
NotebookLM, the AI-driven note-taking application that also serves as a research assistant, has received a more significant set of updates. It can now analyze YouTube videos by simply copying and pasting the URL, allowing users to distill the content in their desired format.
Users can ask follow-up questions based on NotebookLM’s topic breakdown, which conveniently includes clickable links directing to specific moments in the video. After testing this feature on several videos of varying lengths, it has performed reliably, capturing even details from shorter video chapters.
Another valuable addition aimed at journalists, researchers, and students is the ability to search through an audio file’s transcription for specific information.
Moreover, NotebookLM can now convert audio recordings, handwritten notes, and lecture slides into organized study guides. Users will also notice improvements in sharing Audio Overviews—these are podcast-style audio renditions of user-uploaded text files like PDFs. Previously generated with a single click, they can now be shared via a custom URL. For those looking for more flexibility, the tool can import Docs, Slides, and website links, or users can simply copy and paste text for analysis using the underlying Gemini 1.5 model.
