An app for NotebookLM is coming ‘soon’, Google has announced
If you haven’t yet started using Google’s impressive research assistant, NotebookLM, now might be the perfect time to explore what it can offer. Designed initially with students and scholars in mind, this powerful AI tool has proven to be incredibly versatile — it’s not just for academics. Its ability to absorb large volumes of data and quickly provide relevant, concise answers makes it practical for everyday scenarios, such as skimming through lengthy product manuals so you don’t have to, or breaking down complex documents into understandable summaries. And for those who’ve been waiting for a more mobile-friendly version of NotebookLM, good news is on the horizon — Google has officially confirmed that a dedicated NotebookLM mobile app is in the works.
NotebookLM originally launched as a web-based platform and was optimized for desktop and laptop users. The service takes advantage of the wider screen space offered by PCs with a clean, functional three-panel layout. On the left, users can upload and manage their source material; the center panel hosts the chat interface where you interact with the large language model (LLM); and on the right, there’s a workspace to generate or fine-tune your final outputs, making it ideal for organizing ideas, writing drafts, and summarizing research.
While the tool can technically be accessed via mobile browsers, including Chrome on Android, this experience is far from ideal. Google users have been able to create shortcuts by using the “Add to Home screen” option, but this workaround doesn’t offer the full functionality or smooth usability that a standalone app would provide. Thankfully, Google has recently taken to its official NotebookLM X (formerly Twitter) account to confirm, through a repost, that a proper NotebookLM mobile application is “coming soon.”
Although there’s no precise release date yet, signs point to a growing focus from Google on integrating NotebookLM’s capabilities into more parts of its ecosystem. One such development is the inclusion of Audio Overviews in Gemini, another Google AI tool — an indication that the company is actively exploring new ways to make its productivity and research aids more accessible across platforms. As Google continues expanding the reach of NotebookLM, mobile users can look forward to a more seamless and efficient research experience right from their smartphones.
