Technology

Explore the Redesigned Google Labs and Its Exciting AI Tools

Published December 12, 2024

When you think about Google and its advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), you might primarily picture its chatbot Gemini. However, there is much more happening at Google, particularly with its array of generative AI tools that can boost your productivity, create music, help you organize documents, and much more. While not all of these projects are officially released, you can experience them through Google Labs, which has recently undergone a redesign.

The newly redesigned Google Labs platform was revealed on Tuesday, streamlining the process of discovering and testing new AI experiments. This launch coincided with the introduction of several fresh AI tools, including Project Mariner, Jules, Project Astra, and Gemini in Colab.

Additionally, Gemini has introduced a new Deep Research feature that works as a digital assistant, searching the web on your behalf.

One of the great features of engaging with Google Labs is that the experiments are continuously updated, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and improvements. Another advantage is that users can provide feedback on their experiences, which can influence whether the tools move towards official deployment and what changes may be made.

1. AI Overviews in Search

Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) initially required opting into Search Labs to gain access to AI summaries at the top of the search results page. The AI Overviews feature, which is now supported by a new customized Gemini model for searches, has become widely available to users in the U.S.

If you are interested in this feature, opting into AI Overviews in Labs grants you priority access.

2. NotebookLM

Summer 2023 saw the launch of NotebookLM, which is marketed as an "AI-first Notebook." This tool assists users by summarizing, explaining, and generating questions about the materials they input.

Users can upload Google Docs, PDFs, Google Slides, and websites to ask questions or get auto-generated content. This can be especially helpful for students looking to organize their notes. For instance, by inputting class materials into NotebookLM, students can receive study guides, FAQs, and summaries.

The tool has gained popularity for its Audio Overview feature, which enables interactive conversations about the material with AI-generated hosts that explain complex topics and facilitate engaging discussions.

3. MusicFX

With MusicFX, you can create music without any prior musical knowledge. Simply input a prompt of what you want to hear, and the tool will generate a track for you within seconds. Users can download or share their creations, making MusicFX a fun and experimental way to engage with music generation.

4. Illuminate

Research papers can often be dense and filled with technical terms. Illuminate is a new project designed to make these papers more digestible by transforming them into concise audio conversations tailored to your learning style.

You can join the waitlist for this feature on Google Labs to unlock its potential.

5. GenType

GenType is a playful experiment that creates AI-generated images for each letter of the English alphabet using a single prompt. Designed by a Google employee who wanted to help children learn the alphabet visually, this tool adds a creative twist to letter learning.

6. Join the Waitlist for Popular Features

Many experiments currently have waitlists due to high demand. If any of these advanced features pique your interest, simply create or sign into a Google account to join the waitlist. You'll have no obligations while you wait for your opportunity to try them out.

Waitlisted experiments include:

  • Gemini in Colab - Experimental data science agent
  • Jules - An agent for developers for automating GitHub tasks
  • VideoFX - A text-to-video generator
  • Ask Photos - Conversational photo searching with Gemini

How to Join Google Labs

If you’re eager to try out any of these experiments, signing up for Google Labs is simple. Visit the Google Labs homepage and select the experiment you'd like to explore.

The sign-up process may vary depending on the experiment, so make sure you sign in to your personal Google account, as workplace accounts may restrict access to certain features.

Some experiments may have specific instructions for early users, and if you find yourself on a waitlist, ensure to monitor your email for updates regarding your status.

Google, AI, Labs