Google's latest AI innovation, NotebookLM, has attracted attention for its unique feature that turns text into engaging podcast-style conversations. Originally designed as a research tool, NotebookLM allows users to upload documents and ask questions, using AI to create insights from the data. Last month, Google added a new twist: Audio Overview, transforming these documents into a lively back-and-forth dialogue between two AI hosts.
The feature stands out because it mimics the flow of real-life conversations, complete with pauses, casual expressions, and even humor. The hosts summarize the material, connect topics, and engage in banter that feels incredibly human. The result is a highly entertaining, podcast-like experience.
In typical internet fashion, users quickly found creative uses for this AI tool. One user prompted the AI hosts to role-play discovering they were about to be "fired" as AI programs, resulting in a surprisingly emotional and philosophical dialogue. Another provided a document filled only with repeated words like "poop" and "fart," and the AI hosts spent ten minutes earnestly discussing the potential artistic and existential meaning behind the absurd content.
These viral moments highlight how AI's ability to mimic human behaviour continues to captivate users, especially when it feels relatable or humorous. While this digital imitation of human expression is mesmerizing, it’s also a reminder that people may quickly grow tired of novelty, seeking newer and more engaging tech experiences over time.