I Tested Notebook LM’s New Features: 5 Game-Changing AI Tools

I spent the last week deep-diving into Google’s latest AI releases, and one tool stood out immediately. Notebook LM has evolved far beyond a simple note-taking app. It now functions as what I can only describe as a free personal mentor that can analyze thousands of videos, build presentations in seconds, and even generate podcast-style audio summaries. In this article, I’ll walk you through the five features I actually tested and how they can speed up your workflow—whether you’re in e-commerce, content creation, or building automated systems.

Key Takeaways

• Notebook LM now analyzes entire YouTube channels — I uploaded my 4,000+ videos and got 300+ source citations I could query instantly
• Slide decks, mind maps, and audio briefings generate in seconds from any source material
• Google AI Studio lets you build Android apps and games with simple prompts — I tested a fly-swatting game live
• Google’s AI Ultra tier ($75/month) unlocks video generation, Gmail automation, and extended thinking modes
• Student discounts and startup credits can save hundreds monthly — I compiled a database of verified programs

Feature 1: Turning 4,000 YouTube Videos Into a Free AI Mentor

Here’s the problem I’ve faced for years: my YouTube channel has over 4,000 videos spanning seven years of content. Even I can’t remember everything I’ve covered. For someone trying to learn eBay dropshipping, AI agents, or automation systems, watching even a fraction of those videos would take hundreds of hours.

I tested Notebook LM’s new source aggregation feature by creating a new notebook and pointing it at my entire channel. The system pulled all my videos and generated over 300 source citations that I could query directly. Instead of searching through playlists, I can now ask: “How does Akin do eBay dropshipping?” and get an answer synthesized from my actual methods across dozens of videos.

But the real game-changer is the mind map visualization. Notebook LM organized my entire channel into seven core categories: Freedom Systems (including FeePicker, risk analysis, mentorship, 90-day focus systems, automation, and vision boards), AI Agent Systems (Cloud and social media AI tools), and eBay operations (account recovery, processing workflows). Within each category, sub-topics branch out with specific video references.

The audio briefing feature surprised me most. Notebook LM generated a podcast-style conversation between two AI hosts discussing my content—complete with my speaking style and key insights. I could literally upload this to Spotify as a podcast. For learners, this means you can absorb complex business systems while commuting or exercising.

Feature 2: Presentations and Video Overviews in Seconds

I tested the slide deck generator during what would normally be a stressful scenario: preparing for a business meeting. I gave Notebook LM a simple prompt about my YouTube content strategy, and it produced a complete presentation in under 30 seconds. The slides included structured talking points, visual hierarchy, and logical flow.

The video overview feature works similarly. You describe what you want—style, tone, key messages—and the system generates a structured video script and visual outline. For content creators managing multiple platforms, this cuts pre-production time from hours to minutes.

What separates this from basic GPT prompts is the source-grounded accuracy. Because Notebook LM works from your actual uploaded materials, it doesn’t hallucinate strategies I never taught. When it mentions my eBay methods, it’s referencing real videos, not generic dropshipping advice.

Feature 3: Building Apps and Games With Natural Language

Google AI Studio represents the biggest leap for non-technical founders. I tested this by describing a simple game concept—a fly-swatting arcade game similar to classics from the 1980s. The system generated functional code, and within minutes I had a playable game with scoring mechanics.

I then pushed further with a word-hunting game with daily quests and league systems. The AI built the entire framework: player progression, competitive rankings, and task structures. For someone wanting to publish on Google Play Store, this removes the traditional barrier of learning Java or Kotlin.

The voice-controlled editing feature also impressed me. With microphone access enabled, I could speak commands like “move this here” or “make this yellow” while working on visual elements. The system processes natural speech and executes precise modifications. During my test, I noted that background conversation can confuse it—so you’ll want a quiet environment for complex operations.

Feature 4: AI Video Generation and Content Creation Workflows

Google’s AI Ultra tier adds video generation capabilities that I tested for social media content. The system offers pre-built prompts ranging from talking dogs to anime-style animations, reducing the need for complex prompt engineering.

I uploaded my own photo and requested a video transformation. The result? Let’s be honest—it looked vaguely like me but distorted facial features significantly. This was using the faster “Flash” model. When I switched to the Pro model with Extended thinking level, quality improved noticeably.

For Instagram content specifically, I recommend selecting the 9:16 vertical format and using the Pro model’s extended reasoning. The system analyzes composition, lighting, and platform-specific requirements more thoroughly. Music generation also works—I tested a 1990s-style track request, and the output captured the era’s instrumentation patterns accurately.

The honest truth: AI video generation isn’t replacing professional videographers yet. But for rapid prototyping, social media fillers, and testing concepts before investing in production, it’s genuinely useful.

Feature 5: Gmail Automation and the Real Cost of Access

Gemini integration inside Gmail enables workflow automation that I tested for email processing. The AI can categorize messages, draft responses, and trigger actions based on content analysis. However, there’s an important limitation I discovered: this feature requires the AI Future update path, which isn’t available on all accounts yet.

This brings me to pricing transparency. To access the full feature set I tested—including video generation, extended thinking, and Gmail automation—you need Google AI Ultra at approximately $75 monthly. The standard Pro tier doesn’t include these capabilities.

For serious users, I calculated the break-even point. If you’re currently paying for separate tools for presentation software ($15/month), video generation ($30/month), and automation platforms ($25/month), the consolidated Google stack can actually reduce costs. But for casual users, the free Notebook LM features alone provide substantial value.

Bonus: The Student Resource Database I Built

During my research, I compiled verified student discount programs that can offset these AI tool costs significantly. Examples from my database include:

• Azure for Students: $100 credit for 12 months, free access to language models and cloud computing
• Amazon Prime Student: £4.49/month instead of £9 (UK pricing), saving £47+ annually
• Miro Education: Normally £96/month, completely free for verified students
• Startup programs: Up to $5,000 in cloud credits for qualifying new businesses

I personally used Google’s student program for one year of free access to services that would have cost £20-30 monthly. These programs have specific eligibility criteria and application requirements—I encourage doing your own verification rather than assuming automatic approval.

FAQ

Is Notebook LM completely free to use?

Yes, the core Notebook LM features—including source analysis, mind maps, slide decks, and audio briefings—are free. However, Google’s advanced video generation, extended thinking mode, and Gmail automation require the AI Ultra subscription at approximately $75 per month.

How many YouTube videos can Notebook LM analyze at once?

In my test, Notebook LM processed my entire channel of 4,000+ videos and generated over 300 source citations. The exact limits depend on total content length and source types, but the system handles large-scale analysis that would take humans hundreds of hours.

Can I actually publish the games created in Google AI Studio?

Yes, the code generated is functional and can be packaged for Android distribution. However, you’ll need to meet Google Play Store requirements for publishing, including developer account registration and compliance policies. The AI handles the coding; commercialization is your responsibility.

Does the AI-generated video look exactly like me?

No, and I want to be direct about this. In my test using the faster Flash model, facial features were noticeably distorted. The Pro model with Extended thinking produced better but still imperfect results. For professional branding, traditional video production remains superior. Use AI video for rapid testing and casual content only.

Final Thoughts

After a week of intensive testing, my assessment is clear: Google’s AI ecosystem has reached a tipping point for practical business application. Notebook LM’s ability to transform years of content into queryable knowledge bases saves genuine time. The presentation and audio features work as advertised. AI Studio removes technical barriers for app creation that existed just months ago.

But I’m equally clear about limitations. Video generation needs improvement for professional use. The $75 Ultra tier is a real investment requiring justification. And no AI tool replaces the judgment required to build sustainable online businesses.

My recommendation: start with free Notebook LM features for content analysis and workflow acceleration. Test AI Studio for prototyping. Only upgrade to paid tiers when you’ve validated that specific capabilities generate measurable returns in your operations. The technology is impressive—but your strategic decisions still determine success.

Watch the full video (in Turkish — English subtitles available):

Tools & Community

• TurkoLister — the AI listing tool I use to turn Amazon products into optimized eBay UK listings in about 60 seconds (from £4.99/month, £1 one-week trial).
• AI & E-commerce Community — my Turkish-speaking community ($19/month) with weekly live sessions.
• Subscribe on YouTube — new experiments every week.