Note: This article was written on September 21, 2024, but I’m just now getting around to publishing it. All time references should be considered for then.

About a week ago, I was watching Matt Wolfe’s latest AI News Update on YouTube to catch up on the latest in AI News (otherwise, what’s the point in watching a video about updates in AI news?), when his report helped me discover a tool that Google had released in an early form several months ago, but I clearly hadn’t known about until now.

This tool, which I would like to have known about sooner, called NotebookLM, can read any document or website I feed it and use that information to create a central hub for a study site on that topic or content.

Screenshot of a digital interface showcasing sources for a keyboard review. The interface includes summarized content and audio options, blending features from Google’s NotebookLM to convert articles, books, and guides into engaging podcasts.

The way it works is that I upload a PDF or website link that contains free-to-access content, and the system will analyze the text and prepare an interaction arena that I can then use to chat with the content, or create goal-oriented study cards through AI magic, or, thanks to the latest update, create an audio podcast between a man and woman who seem overly enthusiastic over any dumb topic I feed them.

And the outputs of each content piece are of high quality. Not perfect, of course, because AI still hallucinates whenever given the chance. But the lines between AI and professional content are getting blurrier by the day.

Quick Interjection: This is the point in the article where I assure you, the reader, that I am a real person typing on a real keyboard, using no AI assistance to get this article composed (other than the autocorrect AI that senses when I’ve misspelled a word, including the two words I’ve misspelled in this sentence). It seems the AI has gotten so good at composition and performance that we need to post these disclaimers from time to time.

Disclaimer: A disclaimer is a statement that denies responsibility or limits liability regarding a particular issue. It is often used to clarify the extent of one party’s obligations or to inform others about certain risks or limitations associated with a product, service, or piece of information. Disclaimers can be found in various contexts, including legal documents, marketing materials, and websites, to protect the disclosing party from potential claims or misunderstandings.

Sorry, I couldn’t resist the joke. (The above disclaimer was written by AI.)

Anyway, NotebookLM is free to use if you have a Google account, and you can upload up to 50 sources per notebook to study from. So, if you are a student who has gathered dozens of articles for research and need an effective way to search those articles quickly, or synthesize the details they provide, or simply craft a series of study questions you can use to better understand the article’s content, then you can create a notebook dedicated to that topic, upload all your sources, and begin chatting with them, or cataloguing them, or listen to a podcast that goes into a “deep dive” discussing them to better understand the content or the context for the content provided.

Of course, because NotebookLM is powered by AI, Google warns its users that it can occasionally get information wrong. So, using NotebookLM should not be a substitute for reading the original content. But it is a powerful way to add the content of that article to your second brain, so you can retain the information longer or digest it in an interactive and ultimately more fun way.

And this is equally powerful (and fun) for content creators, authors, etc.

For example, I’ve spent the better part of the week converting my novels and short stories into PDFs that NotebookLM can interact with, then turned them into a podcast. By doing so, I can see clearly what elements about the story stand out, which ones make little sense, and what tone seems to dominate the content. The AI is pretty good at detecting tones like comedy and tragedy, even if it cannot hear inflections of voice.

What it doesn’t do particularly well, however, is inferring ideas or concepts that are buried in subtlety, especially if those ideas are contrary to an established thought that seems to dominate the accepted cultural norm (that the AI would’ve been trained on).

For example, I’ve been experimenting with songwriting since March, thanks to the improvement AI has made in converting lyrics into songs, bringing my rock goddess character from my A Modern-day Fantasy series, Cherry Chicklet, to life, sort of. So far, I’ve written and “produced” six of her albums, and I’ve started on her seventh last weekend.

Although she is every bit the songstress and musician that our real world would produce, singing about broken relationships, missed opportunities, and the usual common life messiness that we’re used to hearing about on the radio, many of her songs are directly tied to the universe she lives in and the affairs that affect her world.

So, in the latest completed album, Energized (spoiler alert?), five of her songs deal directly with an external conflict that I have planned for the eighth year storyline (in the A Modern-day Fantasy series of novels), where an ancient sea force re-emerges “from the shadows” to overtake the island, enslave the people, and conquer the nation of New Switzerland.

“Cherry Chicklet: Energized” Album Cover

The understanding is that, even though she and her superhero companions are embroiled in this war against this ancient force, she’s still got a job to do writing songs for Energized, so she will capture the sentiment of living in a world where their freedoms have become lost and their battle for survival has taken full form, but she won’t ignore the spilled blood that happens during this conflict or even her part in surviving it. Even among the songs about fake smiles and unoriginal content (ironic given AI’s role in giving the lyrics a soundtrack), she warns her listeners through song about the incoming force of evil about to overtake them, about the need to defy “the oppressors” once they’ve taken over, so they can reclaim their normal lives, and about the last stand against the enemy along the shores of their beloved rock garden by the sea, and the aftermath, honoring those who fell in battle.

These five songs chronicle a very real physical threat against her and her fellow citizens, but NotebookLM’s AI assistance assumes these are songs about female empowerment.

So…

Um…

No.

They are about survival, through and through.

The AI will also occasionally see the songs that address environmental issues as being pro-environment (and to be clear, they aren’t anti-environment), but the reality is that these songs are made to parody the ridiculous extent our thought leaders say we should go to save it, making the case that there are easier, less humiliating ways to do this.

Again, the AI misses the subtle irony (with one exception), instead seeing the message as pro-this or that. In some cases, the song isn’t pro-anything, just observant.

And so on.

My understanding is that NotebookLM is still in early development, so many of these features, which already work pretty well, will likely get better over time. But despite the occasional inconsistencies or expected AI hiccups (creating composites of two characters or events and treating them as one, for example, or grabbing the wrong content for a chapter or song title, or hallucinating references to past events, etc.), the current version is already useful, and I would encourage you to give it try if you are looking to better understand existing written material that you still, most certainly, will read.

Demonstration

If you’re still not sure about this, consider NotebookLM’s treatment of my most recent article, “Retrofuture Typing Experience: Enjoying My New AULA F2088 Mechanical Keyboard.”

Once I offered NotebookLM my link, it quickly synthesized the content and offered me a series of prompt starters.

Then I went into my Notebook Guide and prompted the engine to create five note cards based on the article’s FAQs, Study Guide, Table of Contents, Timeline, and Briefing Doc. Each card took just under a minute to generate and flashed the results when finished. If I click all five buttons in succession, the engine will queue the results and override the previous card as a new one is created. I can then go back and click on the card I want to read more carefully, pulling that one back into view. Of course, I did all of this.

But the star of the show, in my opinion, is the audio podcast feature. Rather than explain it, I’ll just let you listen to it:

Listen Here!

So, for yet another free Google product (or for whatever its true cost that we may never know until someone shows up on our door soliciting the product for the ad we last saw), we can listen to a fun podcast about something we either wrote or read, and let me tell you, it’ll take at least three of these to get bored of them.

For completion’s sake, here are the five cards that NotebookLM generated for me about my article:

FAQs

What kind of keyboard is Jeremy Bursey using?

Jeremy Bursey is using the Aula F2088, a mechanical keyboard with a retrofuturistic design. He describes it as having multicolored lights that resemble those found in 1950s diners or 1980s arcades.

Why does Jeremy Bursey like this keyboard?

He appreciates the Aula F2088 for its aesthetic appeal, comfortable typing experience, and affordable price. The retrofuturistic design and customizable lights add a unique touch to his workspace, while the mechanical keys provide a satisfying tactile feedback.

Does Jeremy Bursey think the keyboard is too loud?

While he acknowledges the characteristic “clackity-clacking” sound of mechanical keyboards, he seems to find it pleasant rather than bothersome. He compares it to the sound of starting a campfire with flint or using Morse code.

Does he have any complaints about the keyboard?

His only minor complaint is the lack of a door-knocking feature from the Amazon delivery person. He also jokingly notes that the keyboard lacks chiptune music with each keystroke.

Why does Jeremy Bursey keep the keyboard in its box when he’s not using it?

The keyboard’s bright lights interfere with his sleep, as it sits close to his bed. He stores it away when not in use to maintain a dark sleeping environment.

What kind of writer is Jeremy Bursey?

Jeremy Bursey is a versatile writer, crafting short stories, essays, poems, novels, and screenplays. He appears to be passionate about his work and seeks feedback to improve his writing.

Does Jeremy Bursey only use one type of keyboard?

No, Jeremy mentions using various Logitech wired and remote keyboards in the past and even has a picture of three different keyboards on his desk.

What does Jeremy Bursey compare his multiple keyboards to?

He humorously draws a parallel to musicians who often possess multiple keyboards, highlighting that writers, too, can benefit from having a variety of tools at their disposal.

 

Study Guide

“Retrofuture Typing Experience” Study Guide

Key Terms

• Mechanical Keyboard: A type of keyboard where each key has an individual spring-activated switch underneath, providing tactile feedback and a distinctive “clicking” sound when pressed. This differs from most standard keyboards that use membrane switches.
• Retrofuturism: A style that combines elements of the past (retro) with those of the future (futurism). It often incorporates nostalgic designs and aesthetics from earlier eras, like the 1950s, alongside futuristic or advanced technology.
• Chiptune Music: A genre of electronic music that uses the sound chips from vintage computers, gaming consoles, and arcade machines to create melodies and rhythms.

Short-Answer Questions

1. What is the author’s overall opinion of the Aula F2088 mechanical keyboard?
2. What specific features of the Aula F2088 keyboard does the author seem to enjoy the most?
3. The author describes the keyboard as “retrofuture.” What details from the text support this description?
4. How does the author’s experience with acquiring gadgets differ now from his experiences in the past?
5. Why does the author compare himself to a musician in the caption of the keyboard photo?
6. What minor complaint does the author have about the keyboard?
7. What is the author’s primary use for the keyboard?
8. How does the author believe this keyboard will change his writing experience?
9. Based on the context clues in the article, what is a “technology geek”?
10. What is the tone of the article? How does the author’s writing style contribute to the overall tone?

Short-Answer Key

1. The author has a very positive opinion of the Aula F2088 keyboard, describing it as “brilliantly excessive” and “everything [he] ever wanted in a keyboard.”
2. The author enjoys the tactile and auditory feedback of the keys, the retrofuturistic aesthetic with multicolored lights, the affordability, and the overall typing experience.
3. The combination of “chrome keys with neon backlights” designed to look like “1950s diner lights” or “1980s arcade fairground lights” contributes to the retrofuturistic description. It blends a vintage aesthetic with modern technology.
4. In the past, gadgets were less affordable, and the author had to save for long periods and rely on others for transportation. Now, he finds them more affordable and accessible, with purchases delivered directly to his doorstep.
5. The author compares himself to a musician because he, as a writer, also has multiple keyboards “at the ready.” This comparison emphasizes the importance of having the right tools for creative work.
6. The author mentions that the Amazon delivery person did not knock on the door, leaving the package visible on the porch for some time.
7. The author intends to use the keyboard primarily for writing novels, particularly for drafting and revising.
8. The author believes the keyboard will make his writing process more enjoyable due to the satisfying typing experience and the visually appealing design.
9. Based on the context, a “technology geek” is likely someone enthusiastic about and knowledgeable about the latest gadgets and technological advancements.
10. The tone of the article is informal, conversational, and enthusiastic. The author’s use of humor, personal anecdotes, and informal language contributes to this tone.

Essay Questions

1. Analyze the author’s use of sensory details (sight, sound, touch) in describing the Aula F2088 keyboard. How do these details contribute to the reader’s understanding of the product and the author’s experience?
2. Discuss the concept of “retrofuturism” as presented in the article. What is the appeal of blending past and future aesthetics, particularly in the context of technology?
3. The author draws a comparison between writers and musicians. Explore this analogy further. In what ways are the tools and creative processes of writers and musicians similar? How are they different?
4. Examine the role of affordability and accessibility in the author’s experience with technology. How have changes in technology and consumer culture influenced our relationship with gadgets?
5. The author mentions that the only thing missing from the keyboard is “chiptune music.” Consider the connection between sound and the writing process. How do sounds (or the lack thereof) impact your own writing experience?

 

Table of Contents

Excerpts from “Retrofuture Typing Experience: Enjoying My New Aula F2088 Mechanical Keyboard” by Jeremy Bursey

1. Introduction: A Shift Towards Gadgetry (Paragraphs 1-2) This section introduces Bursey’s recent interest in gadgets and acquisition of the Aula F2088 mechanical keyboard, contrasting it with his past financial limitations.
2. Seeking the Perfect Typing Companion (Paragraphs 3-6) Here, Bursey expresses his desire for a keyboard that complements his writing style and aesthetic, rejecting generic keyboards and outlining his dissatisfaction with previous models.

III. The Aula F2088: A Retrofuture Delight (Paragraphs 7-9) This section introduces the Aula F2088, emphasizing its retrofuturistic design with multicolored lights and its satisfying mechanical typing experience.

1. Aesthetics and Functionality: A Harmonious Blend (Paragraphs 10-12) Bursey delves into the keyboard’s aesthetic appeal, describing its chrome keys, neon backlights, and unique typing sound, highlighting its affordability and overall value.
2. Conclusion: An Upgrade to the Writing Experience (Paragraphs 13-16) This section concludes the article by expressing Bursey’s satisfaction with the Aula F2088, anticipating an enhanced writing experience. He then invites reader interaction by asking about their keyboard preferences.

 

Timeline

Timeline of Events:

While this source doesn’t describe a narrative with a sequence of events, we can infer a timeline of Jeremy Bursey’s keyboard experiences:

1. Early Years: Jeremy Bursey couldn’t afford to be a “technology geek” and had to save for months to buy things like Nintendo games.
2. Transition Period: Technology becomes more affordable. Jeremy begins trying out various keyboards, including Logitech models (both wired and remote), but finds them lacking the “personality” he desires.
3. February 11, 2024: Jeremy acquires the Aula F2088 mechanical keyboard. He receives it via an Amazon delivery, noting the delivery person didn’t knock. He then enjoys a typing session while writing about the keyboard.
4. Future: Jeremy intends to use his Aula F2088 keyboard for drafting and revising novels.

Cast of Characters:

• Jeremy Bursey: The author of the article and owner of the new Aula F2088 keyboard. He is a writer who enjoys technology and appreciates a good typing experience.
• Profession: Writer (short stories, essays, poems, novels, screenplays)
• Interests: Technology, keyboards, writing, cats, the ocean
• Personality: Appreciates quality, a bit particular about his tools, humorous
• John Wick: A fictional character who appears in the “John Wick” film series. He is only mentioned in relation to the movie Jeremy was watching when the keyboard arrived.
• Relevance: Briefly mentioned; no direct involvement in the narrative.
• Amazon Delivery Person: The unnamed individual who delivers the Aula F2088 keyboard to Jeremy.
• Relevance: Briefly mentioned; criticized for not knocking on the door.

 

Briefing Doc

Briefing Doc: Aula F2088 Mechanical Keyboard Review by Jeremy Bursey

Source: “Retrofuture Typing Experience: Enjoying My New Aula F2088 Mechanical Keyboard” by Jeremy Bursey, published February 11, 2024 on jeremybursey.com.

Main Theme: A writer’s enthusiastic review of his new Aula F2088 mechanical keyboard, highlighting its retrofuturist aesthetic, satisfying typing experience, and affordability.

Most Important Ideas/Facts:

• Retrofuturist Design: The keyboard features multicolored, 1950s diner or 1980s arcade-inspired lights, adding a visually appealing element to the typing experience.
• Mechanical Typing Experience: The author emphasizes the satisfying “clackity-clacking” of the mechanical keys and describes them as “loose to the touch” but with a firm base.
• Affordable Luxury: The keyboard provides a high-quality typing experience at an affordable price point, under $60. This makes it accessible and appealing to those seeking an upgrade without breaking the bank.
• Ideal for Writers: Bursey positions the keyboard as a “perfect cheap typing keyboard for the semi-discerning author,” suggesting its suitability for extended writing sessions.
• Minor Drawback: The only potential drawback noted is the brightness of the lights, making it unsuitable for use in a dark room.

Key Quotes:

• On the typing experience: “It’s certainly more pleasant to the touch and the ears than my other keyboards are.”
• On the design: “Chrome keys with neon backlights cover the board, with each key in the shape of a circle or an oval.”
• On the value: “It may be everything I ever wanted in a keyboard. And all for under $60.”
• Target Audience: “High class, high art wordsmithing, gaudy atmosphere: the perfect cheap typing keyboard for the semi-discerning author.”

Overall Impression:

Bursey’s review presents the Aula F2088 mechanical keyboard as a stylish, affordable, and enjoyable option for writers and anyone seeking a visually interesting and satisfying typing experience. The review effectively conveys the author’s enthusiasm for the product through vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes.

So, that’s all for now. Let me know what you think of Google’s NotebookLM in the comments below.

Feature Image: A computer screen displays Google’s NotebookLM, featuring a document editor with multiple text boxes and tools for adjusting settings. The background is a gradient of purple and white, evoking creativity and focus.