Google Labs just got a redesign. Here are 6 reasons to check it out

When you think of Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) technology, you might only think of its chatbot Gemini. However, the company has many other generative AI experiments that can help you enhance your workflow, generate music, organize your documents, and more. Although Google hasn’t officially released many of these projects, you can try them out via Google Labs, the company’s platform for testing ideas and products, which just got a redesign. 

The redesigned Google Labs site, unveiled on Tuesday, makes it easier to find and then start new experiments. The release aligned with Google’s launch of several new AI experiments on Wednesday, including Project Mariner, Jules, Project Astra, Gemini in Colab, and more. 

Also: Gemini’s new Deep Research feature searches the web for you – like an assistant

One of the perks of trying the latest Google Labs experiments is that they are constantly updated to include new features, guaranteeing unique and helpful user experiences. 

Another major Labs perk is that users can provide feedback, ultimately impacting whether the experiments are deployed and what changes are made before they are released. Keep reading to learn about some of the experiments you can start today. 

1. AI Overviews in Search 

When Google unveiled the Search Generative Experience (SGE), its AI-infused version of Google Search, you had to opt into Search Labs to get access. By opting in, you gained access to AI insights at the top of your search results page, which summarizes the information Google expects will satisfy your query. 

At Google I/O, the company announced that AI Overviews, supported by a new Gemini model customized for Google Search, are now available to everyone in the US. 

Also: Google’s favorite Chrome extensions of 2024 can save you time and money

Even though the feature is rolling out broadly, you will get priority access if you opt into AI Overviews in Labs. So, if this feature interests you, you should sign up.

2. NotebookLM

In the summer of 2023, Google launched NotebookLM, its “AI-first Notebook“, which works with the content you input to summarize, explain, and provide key topics and questions you can ask to understand the material better.

Also: How to use Google’s AI-powered NotebookLM to organize your research

You can insert a Google Doc, a PDF, Google Slides, and URLs and then ask questions about the content or have NotebookLM auto-generate content from your inputs. This feature can be helpful if you are a student. You can input all your class notes and materials into NotebookLM and the tech will help you stay organized and add AI assistance to your notes.

NotebookLM can generate study guides, briefing docs, FAQs, summaries, and more. The tech can chat with you about the content and answer any questions. To test the features out, I inserted a PDF of one of my articles, and then, within seconds, NotebookLM provided me with an accurate AI-generated summary. You can see the results in the image above. 

The tool has gone viral multiple times for its Audio Overview feature, which allows users to discuss their notebook content in engaging, AI-driven conversations. The discussions are carried out by two AI-generated hosts who use the context of your content to explain complex topics, make analogies, and keep the dialogue going back and forth with you.

3. MusicFX

You no longer need musical expertise to generate songs. Now you can use AI to create tunes with MusicFX. 

All you need to do is type in a prompt of what you’d like to hear, and then, within seconds, your track will be available for your listening pleasure. You can even download or share your masterpiece. Be aware that MusicFX is more of a fun, experimental tool than one that will increase your productivity. 

4. Illuminate 

Research papers tend to be long and use a lot of technical jargon that can be difficult to understand. Illuminate is a new Google Labs experiment that aims to help you break down research papers into short audio conversations.

Also: This Google AI tool could be your new favorite study aid – and it’s free

Illuminate uses AI to adjust the content to your learning preferences so that you can understand the material. You can access the waitlist and learn about Illuminate by visiting Google Labs.

5. GenType 

GenType is a fun experiment AI alphabet generator that uses Imagen 2 to generate AI images for all 26 letters in the English alphabet from a single prompt. This experiment was conceived when a Google employee wanted to use Imagen to help his children learn the alphabet visually by generating letters from familiar objects. Although I don’t have practical everyday use cases, it’s still fun. 

6. Join the waitlist for highly anticipated features 

Many experiments have waitlists open because of the high demand for some of the most cutting-edge features. If you are interested in trying them out, don’t let this process discourage you, as all you need to do is join a Google account, and you lose nothing from waiting. 

Some waitlisted experiments include: 

• Gemini in Colab – Experimental data science agent 
• Jules – Experimental agent for developers that can automate coding tasks in GitHub
• VideoFX – Text-to-video generator
• Ask Photos – Search your photos conversationally with Gemini 

How to join Google Labs

If you want to try any of these or future experiments, sign up for Google Labs. All you have to do is visit the Google Labs homepage and click on the experiment you want to try. 

Also: Google’s Gemini 2.0 AI promises to be faster and smarter via agentic advances

Depending on the experiment, the sign-up process may vary. But generally, you will be prompted to sign in to your personal Google account or create a new one. Remember to use your account as workplace accounts can block experimental features.

Other experiments have specific instructions for early users. If the experiment you signed up for has a waitlist, keep a close eye on your email, as you will be notified when you are removed from the list.