## The Core Answer

Google is well-known for discontinuing products that don't achieve strong traction, a phenomenon humorously tracked by the website killedbygoogle.com. With 299 products marked as 'murdered,' it highlights the risk associated with relying on any single tool from Google, even if it shows promise. A recent casualty was Google Domains, which was around for nine years but ultimately deemed unnecessary. This approach stems from Google's strategy of fostering multiple projects simultaneously to see what resonates with users.

Amidst this backdrop, Kyle highlighted Notebook LM as a tool that has reached a level of maturity worthy of exploration. Notebook LM is a free tool that allows users to create content from various sources, including texts, audio, and video. The key takeaway here is that while Google has a reputation for discontinuing products, Notebook LM currently appears stable and offers valuable functionalities for those willing to invest time in learning and using it.

Why This Matters

Understanding Google's product lifecycle is crucial for entrepreneurs and creators. Investing time in a tool that may not be around long-term can lead to wasted effort and resources. Tools like Notebook LM are valuable for content creation, learning, and teaching, but the risk of it being discontinued looms in the background. Knowing this helps set realistic expectations and encourages users to explore alternatives or have backup plans in case a tool like Notebook LM is retired.

A Key Consideration

One important aspect of using Notebook LM is its ability to integrate various sources, making it different from other AI tools like ChatGPT. Users can add sources from the web, YouTube, and Google Drive, allowing for a more tailored and context-rich experience. However, this method requires careful curation of content to avoid the common pitfall of “garbage in, garbage out.” By focusing on high-quality sources, you can maximize the effectiveness of the tool, leading to better outputs.

How to Apply This

If you're interested in using Notebook LM, here’s a step-by-step approach to get started:

• Sign Up: First, create or log into your Google account and access Notebook LM. It’s free to use, which makes it a low-risk option for exploration.

• Curate Your Sources: Start by gathering high-quality materials you want to work with. This could be articles, videos, or documents that you find valuable.

• Experiment with Outputs: Use the tool to generate different types of content, such as presentations, reports, or quizzes. Assess how well it uses your sources and adjust your inputs accordingly.

• Engage with the Community: Share your experiences with others, either through social media or forums. Engaging with a community can provide insights and tips that enhance your use of the tool.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

While using Notebook LM, be wary of overloading it with too many sources. The effectiveness of the tool diminishes if it has to sift through irrelevant or low-quality content. Focus on a select number of impactful sources to ensure that the outputs are useful and actionable. Additionally, keep in mind that Google may change its offerings or discontinue products, so always have a backup plan or alternative tools in mind.

Lastly, remember that while Notebook LM is a great tool, it’s essential to stay informed about other options available in the market. Exploring different tools can offer unique capabilities and may even lead to discovering a new favorite resource for your projects.