Another Crazy Day in AI: Interactive Study Tools Come to NotebookLM
- Wowza Team
- Sep 9
- 4 min read
Hello, AI Enthusiasts.
The workday might be done, but the AI updates are still rolling in.
Google is pushing NotebookLM beyond just reading—it wants to change how people study and interact with information. The latest additions turn it from a place to store documents into a space for real engagement, giving learners and professionals new ways to interact with ideas.
At the same time, OpenAI is putting big money into nonprofits that want to shape AI for community impact.
And one legal tech founder is calling out law firms for treating AI like a fashion accessory instead of a strategy.
Blink once and the headlines change again...
Here's another crazy day in AI:
NotebookLM expands beyond basic note taking
OpenAI opens $50M fund to back nonprofits in AI adoption
Law firms overspend on AI without clear ROI, warns Wu
Some AI tools to try out
TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Six Ways NotebookLM Enhances Study Sessions
Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to absorb and retain information effortlessly while others struggle to make knowledge stick?
Google is introducing new features and public notebooks through NotebookLM, with the goal of turning passive reading into a more active learning experience. In a recent post, Marvin Paul (Software Engineer, NotebookLM) and Dharti Dhami (Engineering Manager, LearnX) outlined how the platform is evolving to support different ways of studying and working with information. The updates are designed to provide learners, educators, and professionals with a range of tools that move beyond reading and into active engagement.
Among the features now available:
Generated Flashcards and Quizzes - Transforms any uploaded document into study materials with customizable difficulty settings and sharing options for group study
Dynamic Report Creation - Produces various formats including blog posts and briefing documents, with contextual suggestions that adapt to your content's subject matter
Question-Based Learning Guide - Functions like a personal tutor by posing thoughtful questions that guide users through complex material step by step
Curated Academic Content - Collaboration with OpenStax provides access to interactive versions of peer-reviewed textbooks covering Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, and Business Management
Multi-Format Audio Overviews - Delivers content through brief summaries, critical analysis sessions, and structured debates that explore different viewpoints
Classroom Platform Integration - Compatible with Canvas and PowerSchool Schoology, with planned expansion to Google Classroom for seamless assignment distribution
If you've ever spent hours highlighting textbooks only to forget everything by exam time, you're definitely not alone. We've all been there - reading the same paragraph three times, making endless notes, and still feeling like the information just won't stick. These new NotebookLM features seem designed to tackle exactly that frustration by automating the kind of active study techniques that learning experts have recommended for years, but that most of us rarely have time to create ourselves.
What's particularly interesting here is how this addresses something many of us have experienced firsthand. You know how some people can listen to a lecture once and remember everything, while others need to create flashcards, quiz themselves, and discuss the material with friends to really get it? These tools essentially automate that second approach, which could level the playing field for different learning styles. Of course, there's always the question of whether a computer can really understand what you're struggling with the way a good teacher or study partner can. But for those moments when you're studying alone at midnight and just need something to help break down complex concepts, having these options available might make a real difference in how effectively you can work through challenging material.
Read the full article here.
OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:
OpenAI Opens $50M Fund to Back Nonprofits in AI Adoption
/OpenAI
OpenAI has launched the People-First AI Fund, a $50 million commitment to support nonprofits and mission-driven organizations working at the intersection of innovation and public good. The fund will provide unrestricted grants, prioritizing groups that advance AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. Eligible nonprofits don’t need prior AI experience—applications are open until October 8, with grants to be awarded by year’s end. The initiative reflects OpenAI’s belief that AI benefits should be broadly shared and shaped by communities themselves.
Read more here.
Law Firms Overspend On AI Without Clear ROI, Warns Wu
/Law Punx Podcast by Artificial Lawyer
On the latest Law Punx podcast, Horace Wu, founder of legal tech company Syntheia, argued that many law firms are spending heavily on AI without truly understanding the return on investment. While platforms like Harvey and Legora offer convenience, Wu questioned whether they deliver a real competitive edge compared to training internal staff to use AI directly. He suggested that firms often buy AI tools to avoid being left behind rather than to lead innovation. The discussion highlights the growing debate over hype versus value in AI adoption for the legal sector.
Read more here.
SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:
Sidekick – Build Zapier-style automations through chat.
CapCut AI Suite – Edit and remix content with AI-powered tools.
Sierra – AI customer service agents for support and subscriptions.
That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.
Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉
EXCITING NEWS:
The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is on LinkedIn!!!
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