Google's NotebookLM Surprises Users with Mysterious Third Voice in Audio Overviews
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NotebookLM users are hearing a mysterious third voice in Audio Overviews, and it might not be a bug
Summary NotebookLM's Audio Overviews typically feature two voices, one male and one female. Some users have recently reported hearing a mysterious third male voice, especially in longer-form podcasts. While it could be a bug, Google previously hinted that new voices and dialects are "coming soon," suggesting this third voice might be part of a quiet rollout or early test. What makes Google's AI-powered research assistant, NotebookLM, stand out from the hundreds of AI tools out there is its Audio Overview feature. If you aren't familiar with it, the feature can transform sources into "deep dive discussions," where two virtual hosts discuss sources in an engaging manner. Interestingly, some users have started hearing a surprise third voice when they generate Audio Overviews, and no one's quite sure where it's coming from. Though it's likely that it's just yet another bug, it could very well be a hint at an upcoming feature. Related NotebookLM's Audio Overviews are great, but I always do these 3 things to make them better Why settle for great when better's just 3 steps away? Posts NotebookLM is getting new voices and dialects soon Since NotebookLM announced Audio Overviews, they've had the same two voices narrating conversations, a male and a female. Both of the virtual hosts create a natural back-and-forth to explain your notes. A user on the r/notebooklm subreddit recently reported that they heard a third male voice in the conversation. Other NotebookLM users chimed in, with one person saying they heard a third voice appear when they create longer-form podcasts. Another user commented something similar, saying they've noticed it in podcasts they've generated that are over two hours long. Though I've been using Audio Overviews since Google announced the feature and often generate longer podcasts, I never noticed it... until a few minutes ago. Like other users, I heard a third male voice in my Audio Overview out of the blue, just for a few seconds, and then it disappeared. It didn't repeat, and it didn't sound like either of the original hosts. Interestingly, it was subtle enough to miss if you weren't paying attention. Though you might be tempted to think it's a bug, this could simply be NotebookLM quietly testing a new upgrade. During an AMA session NotebookLM hosted on X (formerly Twitter), the team said that new voices and dialects are "coming soon." So this unexpected male voice NotebookLM users are noticing might just be an early preview of what's next. Frankly, it's a change I'm really excited about. If you generate as many Audio Overviews as I do, hearing the same voices can get a bit monotonous. So, a fresh set of voices that you can ideally switch between depending on the context or your personal preference would be a welcome change.
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Is Google secretly testing new AI voices in NotebookLM?
Google has confirmed that additional voices and dialects are coming, alongside APIs and video overviews, but it's unclear if this third voice is a feature or a bug. AI features can be quite a hit and miss, but Google's NotebookLM is definitely one of the hits. NotebookLM is a personal AI research assistant that lets users control the AI's data sources, enabling them to tap into AI to do their bidding without hallucinations. NotebookLM's Audio Overviews feature can transform your notes into a podcast, complete with two AI hosts discussing your data. The feature works great, but if you want some variety, a third AI host seems to be on the way.
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Users of Google's AI research assistant NotebookLM report hearing an unexpected third voice in the Audio Overviews feature, potentially signaling a quiet rollout of new voices and dialects.
Unexpected Voice Emerges in NotebookLM's Audio Overviews
Users of Google's AI-powered research assistant, NotebookLM, have recently encountered an intriguing development in the platform's Audio Overviews feature. Typically, these overviews feature two distinct voices - one male and one female - engaging in a discussion about the user's sources. However, some users have reported hearing a mysterious third male voice, particularly in longer-form podcasts generated by the system
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.The Mystery of the Third Voice
The appearance of this additional voice has sparked curiosity and speculation among NotebookLM users. One user on the r/notebooklm subreddit first reported hearing the third male voice during an Audio Overview. Other users corroborated this experience, noting its occurrence in podcasts exceeding two hours in length
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.Interestingly, the phenomenon appears to be subtle and intermittent. Some users, including those who frequently generate longer podcasts, had not noticed the extra voice until it was brought to their attention. When observed, the third voice reportedly appears briefly before disappearing, making it easy to miss for those not actively listening for it
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.Potential Feature or Unintended Bug?
While the sudden appearance of an additional voice might initially be dismissed as a bug, there are indications that it could be part of a deliberate rollout or testing phase for new features. During a recent AMA (Ask Me Anything) session on X (formerly Twitter), the NotebookLM team hinted that "new voices and dialects are coming soon" to the platform
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The Future of NotebookLM's Audio Overviews
The potential introduction of new voices aligns with Google's broader plans for NotebookLM. The company has confirmed that alongside additional voices and dialects, they are working on introducing APIs and video overviews to enhance the platform's capabilities
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.For frequent users of the Audio Overviews feature, the prospect of voice variety is particularly appealing. Many users have expressed excitement about the possibility of switching between different voices based on context or personal preference, which could significantly enhance the user experience and prevent monotony
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.NotebookLM's Unique Position in the AI Landscape
Source: XDA-Developers
NotebookLM stands out in the crowded field of AI tools due to its innovative features, particularly the Audio Overview. This feature transforms users' sources into engaging discussions between virtual hosts, offering a unique way to digest and review information
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.One of NotebookLM's key strengths is its ability to allow users to control the AI's data sources. This level of control enables users to leverage AI capabilities for their specific needs while minimizing the risk of AI hallucinations or inaccuracies
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.As Google continues to develop and refine NotebookLM, the addition of new voices and features could further cement its position as a leading AI research assistant. Whether the mysterious third voice is an intentional preview or an unintended glitch, it has certainly piqued user interest and heightened anticipation for future updates to this innovative AI tool.
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