Google AI creates entertaining podcasts with virtual hosts based on research

Google has released a new feature in the NotebookLM app that lets users create podcasts using AI based on their research. With the help of this experimental tool, two virtual hosts are created who converse, connect themes, and summarise. "The AI hosts will in fact 'banter' with each other," adding a conversational element to the learning process.

The app currently employs Google's Gemini AI model to summarize user research. This new function is essentially an audio version of that feature. The AI hosts are designed to mimic human podcasters in their conversation style.

For instance, during a 10-minute-long overview about the invention of the lightbulb, they engaged in a lighthearted discussion emphasizing that Thomas Edison wasn't the sole inventor and concluded that "in the end, it's actually a story about teamwork, making the dream work.” The hosts even incorporated modern phrases like "messy as heck" into their dialogue.

Despite their human-like conversational style, the AI hosts do have some quirks. They occasionally spell out certain words and phrases, and use unconventional descriptions such as referring to platinum as "bling bling metal."

These peculiarities do not detract from the overall learning experience but rather add a unique touch to it. However, it remains uncertain how these hosts would handle serious topics like cancer or war while maintaining their lighthearted tone.