Google's AI capabilities have expanded to include reading PDFs, along with the addition of a Canvas feature, among other advancements.
Google has introduced a new AI Mode for its web search, aiming to enhance the user experience for students, educators, and everyday users. This innovative feature brings a host of new capabilities to Google Search, making it more interactive, personalized, and powerful.
Interactive, Chatbot-Style Interface
The AI Mode is powered by Google’s advanced Language Model (LLM) Gemini 2.5 and live web search, providing detailed, synthesized answers to complex multi-part questions. This interactive, chatbot-style interface understands and responds with rich context and relevant sources, acting as a personal research assistant.
Deep Search Capability
The Deep Search capability breaks down complex queries into smaller parts and performs many simultaneous searches, then synthesizes a comprehensive report. This feature is ideal for detailed academic or comparative inquiries such as comparing educational programs or institutions.
PDF and Image Querying Support
Google is also introducing support for PDF and image querying on desktop. Users can upload PDFs (like lecture slides or documents) and images, and ask detailed questions about their content with AI Mode analyzing and cross-referencing this info with web data to generate insightful answers with linked sources.
Canvas Feature
In addition, Google has introduced the Canvas feature, an organizational tool that helps users create dynamic study plans or project outlines within AI Mode. Canvas persists across sessions, allowing continuous refinement of study plans or organization of information, with upcoming support for uploading files like notes or syllabi to customize the content.
Search Live with Real-Time Help
Google's Search Live feature brings real-time video input to AI Mode through the Google app, integrated with Google Lens and powered by Project Astra. Users can point their camera at an object, ask questions, and receive AI-generated responses based on live visual context. This feature offers real-time help during study sessions.
India-Centric Roadmap for Qualcomm's Snapdragon Auto
Meanwhile, Qualcomm is introducing an India-centric roadmap for its first Snapdragon Auto. The roadmap aims to create smarter and safer vehicles, though details about the specific features and capabilities are yet to be disclosed.
Tech News Writer Himani Jha
Himani Jha, a tech news writer at the platform, has been contributing to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants. She also has a love for fine literature and timeless music.
In the coming weeks, PDF support will be added to the AI mode, allowing users to upload documents and ask questions directly within Search. Users will soon be able to upload files to customize their Canvas workspace further. The option to ask Google about a webpage directly from Chrome’s address bar is also being introduced, with this integration including AI Mode and Lens for quick context about PDFs, websites, or on-screen content on desktop browsing.
These innovations transform Google Search from static link lists to a multifaceted AI-powered learning and discovery environment, promoting deeper understanding, organization, and real-time assistance for users in educational and daily contexts.
[1] Google Blog: Introducing AI Mode for Search [2] TechCrunch: Google's AI Mode for Search brings chatbot-style answers to complex queries [3] The Verge: Google's AI Mode for Search makes search results more conversational [5] Engadget: Google launches AI Mode for Search, bringing a chatbot-style interface to search results
The AI Mode, powered by Google's advanced Language Model (LLM) Gemini 2.5, is set to incorporate PDF support, enabling users to upload documents and ask questions directly within Search, thus expanding the Canvas workspace.
With the upcoming integration of AI Mode and Lens for quick context about PDFs, websites, or on-screen content on desktop browsing, Google Search will evolve into a comprehensive AI-powered learning and discovery environment, providing real-time assistance and organization in both educational and daily contexts.
