The short version
- Google has launched a feature in Gemini Notebook that lets users interact with books they have purchased on Google Play.
- The system generates summaries, plans, and other content based on book contents while restricting full text access for non-owners.
- Plans include expanding the technology to scholarly articles and integrating it into broader Google AI services.
Google has introduced a significant update to its artificial intelligence note-taking application, Gemini Notebook, by enabling direct interaction with books purchased through Google Play Books. This new capability, branded as Expert Intelligence, represents a shift in how users can leverage personal digital libraries within AI-driven workflows. Instead of treating these texts as static files, the system now allows individuals to query specific titles for information, generate structured plans, create infographics, and even produce audio podcasts based on the material contained within those volumes.
The functionality was demonstrated during a briefing with media outlets, where Google Labs editorial director Steven Johnson illustrated practical applications of the tool. In one scenario, the system utilized Michael Pollan’s Food Rules to compile a recipe book, extracting relevant culinary guidelines directly from the text. Another example involved applying management principles from Kim Scott’s Radical Candor to draft advice for handling difficult employee conversations. These demonstrations highlight the tool’s ability to synthesize specific knowledge domains into actionable outputs tailored to user needs.
Currently, the feature supports more than 100,000 titles from major publishers including Penguin Random House, Johns Hopkins University Press, Macmillan Publishers, and O’Reilly Media. Google has also collaborated with fifteen authors, such as Steven Pinker and Jennifer Wallace, to develop Featured Notebooks. These curated collections include custom source material and introductory letters from the authors themselves, offering a more guided experience for readers interested in specific expertise. Titles compatible with this feature are identified by a Gemini Notebook badge under the Tools section in Google Play Books.
A central concern with integrating copyrighted material into AI systems is ensuring proper access control and respecting intellectual property rights. To address this, Google has implemented protections that prevent users from accessing content from books they have not purchased. If a user shares a notebook containing references to a protected book, recipients who do not own the title will see it listed as a source but cannot view the full text or derived information. Clicking on such a source redirects non-owners to Google Play Books, where they can purchase the item if desired.
Steven Johnson described the vision behind this development as creating a personalized advisory team composed of experts whose work users value. By allowing individuals to bring together various sources of knowledge, the tool aims to provide continuous access to specialized insights regardless of location. This approach seeks to transform passive reading into active engagement, where books serve as dynamic resources for problem-solving and learning rather than merely stored documents.
The company views this integration as a way to generate new revenue opportunities for authors and publishers while enhancing user utility. By linking AI interactions directly to purchasing platforms, Google hopes to create a sustainable ecosystem where content creators benefit from increased visibility and sales driven by AI usage. This model attempts to balance the convenience of AI-assisted research with the economic realities of the publishing industry.
Looking ahead, Google plans to expand Expert Intelligence beyond books to include scholarly articles, magazine pieces, and newspaper content. This broader scope suggests an ambition to make the tool a comprehensive research assistant capable of handling diverse types of written media. Additionally, the feature will eventually be integrated into AI Mode in Search and the main Gemini app, both of which already pull information from Gemini Notebook.
The rollout marks a step toward deeper integration between personal digital libraries and generative AI services. As users become accustomed to querying their own collections for instant insights, the distinction between reading and analyzing may blur further. The success of this feature will likely depend on how well it balances ease of use with respect for copyright boundaries and user privacy expectations.
Critics may question whether such tools diminish deep reading habits or encourage superficial engagement with complex texts. However, proponents argue that AI can enhance comprehension by helping users navigate large volumes of information more efficiently. The long-term impact on publishing and education remains to be seen as these technologies continue to evolve and adapt to user feedback.
For now, the availability of Expert Intelligence is limited to specific titles and platforms. Users interested in trying the feature must ensure their desired books are part of the supported catalog. As Google expands its partnerships with publishers and content creators, the range of accessible materials is expected to grow, potentially reshaping how people interact with written knowledge in professional and personal contexts.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Verge↗Google’s AI note-taking app now allows you to interact with books
