Zoho Notebook adds AI tools, shared workspaces, whiteboards, and app integration
Zoho is expanding its note‑taking platform at a time when teams expect more than a simple list of bullet points. The latest update layers artificial‑intelligence features onto the core product, aiming to keep the experience both collaborative and secure. While the market is flooded with apps that promise “AI‑enhanced” workflows, Zoho’s approach leans on its longstanding emphasis on data privacy.
That focus matters for enterprises that juggle customer records, project plans and internal communications across the same suite. Here’s the thing: the new version adds dedicated spaces where multiple users can edit, sketch and comment in real time, turning a lone notebook into a shared canvas. Integrated whiteboards give visual thinkers a place to map ideas without flipping between tools, and tight links to Zoho’s CRM, Projects and Mail mean you can pull relevant information straight into a note.
The rollout also introduces an AI assistant that automates routine tasks inside the app. All of these pieces come together to reshape how the product fits into a broader workflow.
**Built on Zoho's privacy‑first architecture, the app now supports shared workspaces for teams, integrated whiteboards for visual content and seamless connections with other Zoho applications, including CRM, Projects and Mail. Notebook AI brings intelligent automation directly into the note‑taking exp**
Built on Zoho's privacy-first architecture, the app now supports shared workspaces for teams, integrated whiteboards for visual content and seamless connections with other Zoho applications, including CRM, Projects and Mail. Notebook AI brings intelligent automation directly into the note-taking experience. The new 'Ask with My Content' and 'Ask Anything' features allow users to query notes or generate insights instantly.
A Meeting Notes tool transcribes and summarises spoken discussions, while the Mind Map Generator converts long documents into clear, visual outlines. Additional enhancements include Smart Note Creation for structured content, such as checklists and templates, and Writing Enhancement for tone and grammar corrections. The app also introduces multilingual voice search and translation across 80 global languages, including eight Indian ones, and lets users customise tone and style for different audiences.
Zoho plans to integrate Notebook with Zoho CRM and Zoho Voice soon, enabling automatic transcriptions and AI-generated meeting summaries within CRM records. Notebook AI is included at no extra cost for Zoho One premium users and available as a standalone add-on.
Will the new AI tools reshape how teams handle notes? Zoho Notebook now bundles Zia‑driven automation with shared workspaces, whiteboards and tighter links to CRM, Projects and Mail. Built on a privacy‑first architecture, the app claims to streamline capture, organization and retrieval for business users.
The free edition extends those capabilities to students, suggesting a broader rollout. Yet the practical impact of AI‑generated suggestions in everyday note‑taking remains uncertain. Integration with other Zoho services could reduce context switching, but whether users will adopt the added complexity is unclear.
The update emphasizes intelligent collaboration, but measurable gains in productivity have not been disclosed. Early adopters may find the AI prompts helpful for summarizing meeting minutes, yet the consistency of those outputs across varied topics hasn't been verified. As the features roll out, organizations will need to assess if the promised efficiencies outweigh the learning curve.
Ultimately, the notebook’s evolution reflects Zoho’s push toward a more connected suite, though its effectiveness will depend on real‑world usage.
Further Reading
- Zoho Notebook Rolls Out AI Writing, Transcription And Mind-Map Features - Cashify News
- Zoho Notebook AI app brings smart note-taking to students and teams - The Times of India
- Zoho Notebook gets smarter with new AI features, now free for students too - Moneycontrol
Common Questions Answered
What AI features does Zoho Notebook introduce in its latest update?
Zoho Notebook adds Notebook AI with two new capabilities: 'Ask with My Content' lets users query their own notes, while 'Ask Anything' generates insights from any input. It also includes a Meeting Notes tool that transcribes and summarizes spoken content.
How does Zoho Notebook ensure data privacy while offering AI‑driven automation?
The platform is built on Zoho's privacy‑first architecture, meaning all AI processing respects the same security standards as the rest of the suite. Zia‑driven automation runs within this framework, keeping customer records and internal communications protected.
Which Zoho applications are now integrated with Notebook’s shared workspaces and whiteboards?
Shared workspaces and integrated whiteboards can seamlessly connect with Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects, and Zoho Mail, allowing teams to embed notes directly into their existing workflows. This tighter integration aims to streamline capture, organization, and retrieval of business information.
Is the new AI‑enhanced functionality of Zoho Notebook available to students?
Yes, the free edition of Zoho Notebook extends the AI tools, shared workspaces, and whiteboard features to students, providing them with the same privacy‑focused capabilities as enterprise users. This broader rollout suggests Zoho is targeting both business and educational markets.