Google’s AI Note-Taking and Research Assistant NotebookLM Inspires New Audio-First App Huxe
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Google's innovative AI tool, NotebookLM, gained widespread popularity at launch by providing quick summaries, detailed reports, and transforming extensive documents into engaging "podcasts" featuring AI hosts to assist with research. Building on this momentum, three developers from the NotebookLM team have launched a new project: Huxe, an app focused on delivering audio-centric content to deepen user engagement with various topics.
Funding and Launch Details --------------------------
The startup announced on Tuesday that it secured $4.6 million in funding from Conviction, Genius Ventures, Figma CEO Dylan Field, and Google Research’s chief scientist Jeff Dean. Initially released on an invite-only basis in June, Huxe is now accessible to all users on iOS and Android devices.
Meet the Founders and Their Journey -----------------------------------
Raiza Martin, along with Jason Spielman and Stephen Hughes, left Google in December 2024 to pursue their own innovative ideas. Their early efforts involved developing a chatbot aimed at B2B applications. However, they later pivoted to focus on consumers by creating a personal assistant in March 2025 capable of generating personalized images, videos, and audio content.
Insight-Driven Development ---------------------------
“During this phase, we noticed that users enjoyed generating audio content on various topics,” Martin explained to TechCrunch. “We observed that many individuals used the app at specific times — like during their morning routines or while catching up on news.” This realization prompted the team to emphasize the app's audio features, leading to the development of Huxe.
Features and Capabilities -------------------------
Huxe offers personalized daily briefs by integrating with your email and calendar, providing insights tailored to your schedule. The app allows you to explore various topics and, like NotebookLM, generate podcasts with multiple AI hosts discussing chosen subjects. Users can interact with these hosts in real-time, ask questions, or request explanations in different ways.
Unique Functionality: Live Stations and News Updates ----------------------------------------------------
What sets Huxe apart is its capability to let users create “live stations” focused on specific topics such as technology, sports, or entertainment gossip. After listening to a station, the app updates you with developments from different sources—ideal for following evolving news stories. Additionally, a personalized interest feed automatically generates audio content aligned with your preferences.
Future Potential and Market ---------------------------
Martin notes that during NotebookLM’s early days, enthusiastic power users provided critical feedback, a trend now emerging with Huxe. “This product is especially suited for people who spend significant time on their screens, juggling multiple tabs and sources. Huxe allows users to catch up on emails, schedules, and news without constant screen interaction,” she explained.
While initially focused on information aggregation, entertainment is also a potential avenue for Huxe. With competitors like India-based Pocket FM and Kuku FM leveraging AI to create content, and startups including ElevenLabs and Oboe exploring audio innovations, the landscape for AI-powered audio content is rapidly expanding.
Upcoming Tech Conference ------------------------
Mark your calendars for the TechCrunch event in San Francisco, taking place from October 27-29, 2025, where further developments in this space are expected to be showcased.
Contact and Further Information -----------------------------
Ivan Mehta, a tech journalist based in India, covers global consumer tech trends and can be reached via email at im@ivanmehta.com or through encrypted Signal messages at ivan.42.
Note: All image credits belong to Huxe.