This weekend I explored NotebookLM, an AI-powered research assistant designed to work directly with your own materials. By uploading documents, PDFs, links, or videos, you can generate tailored outputs such as summaries, study guides, audio overviews, or even structured mind maps.
To test it out, I chose the Rails 8 release notes, a resource that’s highly relevant to my work as a Ruby on Rails specialist. After creating a new notebook and adding the release notes link, NotebookLM produced an audio summary in MP4 format.
For software engineers, this kind of workflow is particularly valuable. Complex documentation can be repurposed into more accessible formats, like podcast-style audio, making it easier to stay informed while commuting or multitasking. Instead of scanning through dense changelogs or technical specs, you can quickly absorb the key points in a way that fits into your day.
I see a lot of potential uses in web development and engineering teams. Imagine uploading your project’s technical design docs, sprint notes, or API documentation and instantly generating clear summaries or audio briefings for the team. NotebookLM could also help onboard new developers faster by transforming long onboarding guides into interactive Q&A resources. Even for personal productivity, it’s a way to turn static documentation into something dynamic and easier to retain.
Tools like this don’t replace the need to dive into the details when necessary, but they can reduce friction in staying up to date and help ensure important information doesn’t get overlooked.
