Watch: Google AI mode upgraded to help student learning and questions

Google is introducing a suite of new features to its AI Mode in Search, aiming to streamline how users — especially students, educators, and curious minds — access, understand, and organize information. The latest updates combine artificial intelligence with practical tools like real-time video analysis, PDF-based queries, and a dynamic planning interface called Canvas.

These enhancements were announced through Google’s official blog and are now gradually rolling out to users on desktop and mobile, with early access prioritized for those participating in the Search Labs program.

AI Now Answers Questions From PDFs and Images

Among the most anticipated additions is the ability to ask AI questions based on uploaded PDFs and images. Previously available only in the Google mobile app, this capability is now expanding to desktop browsers.

Users can upload academic files such as lecture presentations, assignments, or research papers, and then interact with the content by asking follow-up questions. The AI not only extracts information from the document itself but also references relevant material from across the internet to deliver more comprehensive responses.

Support for additional file types, including content stored in Google Drive, is expected to be integrated in the near future — a move that will make it easier to query classroom resources and personal notes directly.

Introducing Canvas: A Smarter Way to Plan and Organize

Google has also launched a new feature called Canvas, designed to help users create and refine plans across multiple sessions. Whether it’s crafting a study schedule, planning a group project, or organizing a vacation, Canvas provides a flexible workspace that evolves with the user’s input.

To activate the tool, users can simply ask the AI to help with a task — such as “make a study plan for biology” — and then click “Create Canvas.” This opens a side panel that updates in real time as new questions are asked or files are uploaded. Personal touches like syllabi, class notes, or task lists can be added to guide the AI’s responses more precisely.

Canvas is especially useful for students juggling coursework and deadlines, but its utility also extends to broader planning needs, such as event preparation or content creation.

Search Live: Real-Time Answers With Google Lens

A standout feature in this rollout is Search Live, which allows users to receive AI-generated explanations using their phone camera. By pointing the lens at a live scene — such as a chemistry experiment, math equation, or even a physical object — users can ask questions and get immediate, contextual answers.

The AI analyses the video feed and returns explanations, step-by-step solutions, and suggested links for deeper understanding. This real-time tool is part of Google’s broader Project Astra initiative, which focuses on building AI agents capable of interacting with the physical world. Currently, Search Live is being piloted in the U.S., with expectations of a wider rollout if testing proves successful.

Smarter Browsing With Chrome Integration

In a move to make search more seamless, Google is integrating AI Mode into Chrome via Google Lens. Soon, when users click on the browser’s address bar, they’ll have the option to “Ask Google about this page.”

This feature is particularly helpful when navigating complex content — such as dense scientific diagrams or unfamiliar technical terms embedded in websites or PDFs. With a simple click, users can summon AI-generated summaries and ask follow-up questions directly from the Chrome sidebar.

A Broader Push Toward AI-Assisted Learning

With these innovations, Google is reinforcing its commitment to making search more interactive, intuitive, and educational. By merging traditional web search with AI-driven capabilities like image analysis, live input, and contextual planning, the company aims to transform how people absorb knowledge and solve problems online.

While the new features are still being introduced in phases, more updates are expected in the coming months, as Google continues to refine its AI tools for broader accessibility and effectiveness.