Google rebrands NotebookLM as Gemini Notebook, deepening ecosystem integration

Google has officially renamed its artificial intelligence note-taking application, NotebookLM, to Gemini Notebook. The announcement, made on Thursday, signals a strategic move to align the product more closely with the company’s broader Gemini ecosystem and Google Search platform. Despite the rebranding, the application will continue to operate as a standalone product.

The update introduces deeper connectivity between the notebooks and Google Search, including planned access via AI Mode. This feature, described as a chatbot-like experience within Search, will allow users to interact with their notes directly. Google has also previously integrated the app with the main Gemini application, allowing users to connect their notebooks to the core model.

Alongside the name change, Google is rolling out a significant technical update that enables notebooks to connect to a secure cloud computer. This capability allows users to write and execute code directly within the application environment. The feature was initially announced last month and is now being deployed to specific user tiers.

Access to the secure cloud computer is being rolled out in phases. It is currently available to customers subscribed to Google AI Ultra and those using Workspace business plans. Google has confirmed that access for Pro users on the web will follow, with the company stating the feature will become available "over the coming weeks."

The application, originally revealed in May 2023 under the codename Project Tailwind, has undergone several iterations since its initial reveal. Following its wide release several months later, Google has progressively added generative features to help users organise and interpret their notes. These additions include the ability to summarise notes into AI podcasts, narrated slideshows, and short-form video clips.