Google rebrands NotebookLM to Gemini Notebook with new features

The transition to Gemini Notebook

Google officially rebranded NotebookLM to Gemini Notebook on July 16, 2026. Despite the name change, the product remains a standalone tool where existing notebooks and shared links continue to function normally. The transition ensures that users who relied on the original branding can still access their data while moving toward Google's broader Gemini ecosystem.

The rebranding comes as Google seeks to integrate more advanced capabilities into its research workspace. While the core identity of the tool remains focused on document-based interaction, the name change aligns it with Google's primary AI suite. This shift is part of a broader strategy to unify the user experience across different AI products and services.

One notable addition during this period is a secure cloud computer located inside each notebook. This feature allows the system to write and run code specifically for data analysis tasks. While it initially launched for specific subscribers, it is being rolled out to a wider range of users over the coming weeks.

Source grounding and capacity

A primary differentiator for Gemini Notebook is its strict adherence to provided sources. Unlike general AI assistants that may pull from external knowledge, this tool answers only from the materials you upload. If the information is missing from your documents, the system is designed to state that it cannot provide a response rather than guessing.

This design choice makes it highly effective for tasks like literature reviews or due-diligence packs. Every claim the AI makes is linked directly to a quoted passage in the source material. Users can click these citations to jump immediately to the relevant section of the text, image, or audio file to verify the information.

Capacity also sets it apart from competitors like ChatGPT Projects. A free Gemini Notebook can hold 50 sources, which is ten times the 50-file limit found on the free tier of ChatGPT Projects. Paid tiers offer even higher limits, with Gemini Notebook supporting up to 600 sources for power users who handle massive amounts of data.

Diverse input and study tools

Gemini Notebook supports a vast array of file types, including PDFs, Word documents, PowerPoint files, and CSVs. It also integrates directly with Google Workspace, allowing users to sync Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets. Furthermore, it can process web page URLs and even import transcripts from public YouTube videos for analysis.

For students, the tool offers a suite of studio features to transform notes into revision materials. It can automatically generate flashcards, quizzes, mind maps, and even slide decks from your uploaded content. A standout feature is the Audio Overview, which creates a podcast-style conversation between two AI hosts to discuss the provided documents.

While ChatGPT offers a study mode that acts as a tutor, Gemini Notebook focuses on content generation. The AI Pro plan increases the compute allowance for these features, which is particularly useful for those who generate audio or video daily. This makes it a specialized workspace for turning a large course pack into structured study aids.

Comparison with ChatGPT Projects

Choosing between these tools depends on whether your documents are the boundary or the starting point. Gemini Notebook treats your files as a closed loop where the AI stays within the provided text. In contrast, ChatGPT Projects treat files as reference material that the assistant can use to provide more informed answers from its general knowledge.

ChatGPT Projects offer unique features like project-only memory, which keeps specific context sealed off from other chats. This is useful for keeping a thesis or a client project from bleeding into other conversations. Additionally, a single ChatGPT Project can host multiple different types of chats, such as drafting, planning, and research, all sharing the same files.

The trade-off involves traceability and drafting capabilities. Because Gemini Notebook is strictly grounded, it is easier to audit line by line for accuracy. However, ChatGPT is often a better drafting partner once the research is finished. It can take the conclusions from your sources and pull in outside context to help write an essay or a professional email.

Platform availability and pricing

The two tools differ significantly in how they appear on different devices. ChatGPT currently offers a native desktop app for Mac users, providing a seamless experience with keyboard shortcuts. Gemini Notebook does not have a native Mac app, meaning users must access it through a web browser or the Notebooks section of the Gemini web app.

For mobile users, Gemini Notebook has dedicated apps for iPhone and iPad. This means the experience varies depending on the hardware you use for your research. If you primarily work on a Mac, you will find yourself using a browser tab for Google's tool while using a native application for OpenAI's service.

Both tools offer free tiers to get started, but paid plans primarily increase capacity. Google offers AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra plans, while OpenAI provides Go, Plus, and Pro tiers. For those already paying for either service, the best route is often to stick with the existing subscription to access higher source limits and more compute power.