Introducing Notion Research Mode 🕵

Hey — it’s James

One thing that has been constant over our few years of traveling is that, wherever we go, we’ll be treated as tourists. At first, I really disliked that. I wanted to prove to everyone (mostly locals) that—no, we’re not just staying two weeks, so we’re not like regular tourists.

Then, partly out of lassitude, I started to accept the fact that (1) I will always be seen that way, and (2) I am really…

In Today’s Email 👀 

• Research Mode

• New Home

• Pricing updates

• Notion Academy for AI

• Notion for Creators

• London Event

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3 Tips / Updates

1/ Research Mode

Research Mode is a new AI feature that generates in-depth reports based on all the sources it has access to—or that you grant access to. It takes a bit longer than a typical AI question/answer exchange, but it’s designed to go deeper: pulling context from your tools, combining information across sources, and offering a more thorough analysis.

You can also enable web access, allowing it to search the internet for additional information.

I gave it a few test runs, and I have to say—it’s pretty impressive. That said, I don’t see it becoming a core part of my workflow just yet. It feels more valuable for teams working collaboratively in shared workspaces with connected tools 💾

PS: Worth noting—Research Mode can’t access anything you don’t already have permission to view. It only pulls from the pages and documents available to your account.

2/ New Home

You may have already noticed, but the Home page has had a refresh to showcase these new AI features.

At the top, you'll now find a new AI section with:

• Ask (the classic AI chat)

• Research (the deep-dive feature we just covered)

• Build (AI that helps you generate databases automatically).

Below that, the layout is mostly familiar: recently visited pages, your Notion Calendar integration, Tasks, and any additional databases.

Also, a quick reminder: you can use the Tasks feature here to merge multiple task databases into a single, unified view ✌️

3/ Pricing updates

With all these recent updates comes new pricing—I’ll try to make it simple and easy below:

What’s changing?

• Notion AI is now bundled with Business and Enterprise plans only — no longer available as an add-on for Free or Plus plans.

• Some advanced features are now exclusive to Business and Enterprise plans.

• Business and Enterprise pricing is increasing due to added functionality, including AI.

When does it take effect?

• New users: Changes apply immediately from May 13, 2025.

• Existing users:

  • Monthly billing: New pricing applies from your first renewal on or after Aug 13, 2025.

  • Annual billing (without Notion AI): Changes start at your renewal after Aug 13, 2025.

  • Annual billing (with Notion AI): New pricing applies on Aug 13, 2025, with credits issued for pricing differences.

What about Notion AI?

• If you weren’t subscribed before May 13, you’ll need a Business or Enterprise plan to use Notion AI.

• If you were already subscribed, you can keep using AI features as long as you stay subscribed.

• Removing AI from your plan means you’ll need to upgrade to get it back.

This is a major shift in how Notion handles pricing—so if you need more information, I strongly encourage you to check out their article on the subject.

HANG TIGHT — BE RIGHT BACK…

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2 Resources

1/ AI Academy

With all the new AI features and updates we've been covering lately, things might feel overwhelming. The good news: Notion has added 5 new academy videos to help you master Notion AI.

Here's what they cover:

1. Getting to know Notion AI

2. Searching with Notion AI

3. Writing with Notion AI

4. AI-powered projects

5. Building an AI-driven culture

2/ Notion Creator Program

If you're a content creator (or aspire to become one), have a team of fewer than 10 people, and aren't currently paying for Notion—you're eligible for the new Notion Creator Program. This gives you one year of free Notion Plus with Notion AI included. Super cool 😎

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