Google AI Mode Gets Major Upgrade for Back-to-School Season
As part of its back-to-school initiative, Google has introduced a significant update to its AI Mode in Search. This upgrade is designed to support students, educators, parents, and professionals by improving the way they access and interact with digital content and tools.
Whether you’re a student preparing for exams, a parent helping with homework, or simply looking for smarter ways to research and stay organized, the enhanced AI Mode offers new features such as PDF and image analysis, live video interaction, contextual planning tools, and deep integration with Google Chrome and Lens.
Document Analysis: Engage With PDFs and Images
One of the standout updates is the ability to upload and query PDF files and images directly in AI Mode on desktop. You can now upload a lecture slide or a long PDF and ask questions like, “What is this about?” or “Give me a summary.”
Google’s AI will process the file, extract key insights, and offer concise explanations, complete with links for deeper learning. In future updates, Google will also allow uploads from Google Drive, expanding the range of supported content.
Canvas: Your Smart Planning Companion
Google is also rolling out Canvas, a new planning tool integrated within AI Mode. It helps users build structured plans, such as study guides or task lists, and updates them dynamically as users interact with AI.
For example, if you want to plan for an upcoming exam, just ask AI Mode and click on “Create Canvas.” A side panel will open where your study plan will be automatically created. You can refine it using follow-up questions, and soon you’ll be able to customize it with your own files like class notes or syllabi.
This feature is currently being introduced to U.S.-based users as part of the AI Mode Labs experiment.
Search Live: Real-Time AI with Video Input
Another exciting update is Search Live, which allows users to interact with AI using live video input through Google Lens. You can now point your camera at a diagram, handwritten notes, or moving objects and get immediate feedback, answers, or links for more learning.
Powered by Project Astra, this feature brings real-time understanding to your everyday surroundings and is initially available to mobile users in the U.S. through AI Mode Labs.
Smart Chrome & Lens Integration
To further enhance user experience, Chrome now includes a new feature: “Ask Google about this page.” Available from the address bar, this allows users to select any part of a webpage or PDF and get an instant summary in a side panel.
In addition, a “Dive Deeper” option encourages further exploration of the content by suggesting follow-up questions and related topics.
Global Availability
While features like Canvas and Search Live are rolling out in the U.S. first for AI Mode Labs users, the PDF and image upload function is being released globally in supported regions, including India and the UK.
Desktop users can access AI Mode directly from the Google homepage via the new AI Mode button. Mobile users can continue using it through the Google app on Android and iOS.
These updates mark a major step in making AI more helpful, accessible, and practical for learners and professionals alike.
