GoKawiilGoogle adds purchased books to Gemini Notebook for AI-assisted reading
Google has updated Gemini Notebook with an 'Expert Intelligence' feature that lets users import books bought through Google Play Books, enabling them to ask questions, generate summaries, plans, infographics, and AI podcasts based on the text. More than 100,000 titles from publishers including Penguin Random House and O'Reilly Media support the feature at launch, and Google partnered with 15 authors like Michael Pollan and Steven Pinker to build customized 'Featured Notebooks.'
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
This turns purchased ebooks into interactive knowledge sources rather than static text, potentially reshaping how readers use nonfiction and reference material for practical tasks. It also signals publishers' growing willingness to let AI tools mine licensed content, while Google adds access controls to ensure only book owners can query the material.
- Gemini Notebook can now generate podcasts, plans, and answers from purchased Google Play Books.
- Over 100,000 titles and 15 partnered authors support the new Expert Intelligence feature.
- Access is restricted so shared notebooks don't expose paid book content to non-purchasers.
Radical Candor by Kim Scott — One of the very books Google demoed with Gemini Notebook's new Expert Intelligence feature, Kim Scott's Radical Candor is a management classic about giving honest feedback while genuinely caring about your team. Having a copy on the shelf pairs nicely with querying it through an AI notebook, and it's a solid read on its own for anyone navigating tough workplace conversations.
See Radical Candor by Kim Scott on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: theverge.com — Emma Roth, 2026-08-27
Published there as: “Google’s AI note-taking app now allows you to interact with books”
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