Recently, Google has been working on new AI tools that convert written materials and YouTube videos into audio or podcasts, helping researchers in their learning. One tool in development is Illuminate, which transforms lengthy research papers and books into concise AI-generated audio discussions. Google describes it as an "experimental technology that uses AI to adapt content to your learning preferences. " Illuminate is similar to Google's NotebookLM, another AI notebook combining large language models with user notes like PDFs, websites, and videos to enhance understanding. While both generate audio discussions, Illuminate is designed for more technical content. Illuminate uses AI to turn published papers into audio discussions with two AI voices summarizing key points. Currently, it's optimized for computer science academic papers. To try Illuminate, I logged in with my Google account and uploaded PDF links of technology papers. On the Illuminate site, I uploaded a paper titled "Mind the Gap: Foundation Models and the Covert Proliferation of Military Intelligence, Surveillance, and Targeting. " Google notes that "Illuminate is available for web content, excluding paywalled content and sites opting out of AI indexing.

More ways to input content, like file uploads, are expected. " After uploading, I chose a formal audio conversation style (options include casual, free-form, guided, or formal). I pressed Generate and waited about a minute for the 15-page paper to become an audio conversation. Once ready, I clicked Play to listen and saved it to my library. Note, "audio conversations are deleted after 30 days unless saved to your library. " The My Library section includes Personal and Public audio conversations. You can view conversation transcripts and share them using the Share icon. The audio conversation effectively highlighted the paper's main themes and sounded very realistic, like listening to a favorite tech podcast. Illuminate could be a valuable tool for researchers, students, and writers dealing with lengthy research papers. It serves as a research assistant for those needing help focusing on key points. The previous limit of five audio generations has increased to 19 per day. How to access Illuminate?