Google is significantly expanding the capabilities of its experimental AI Mode within Search, introducing a suite of new features designed to help users learn, organize, and explore information more efficiently. The updates, timed with the back-to-school season, include the ability to upload PDF documents for detailed analysis and contextual answers, alongside a dynamic Canvas planner for enhanced study organization and project refinement.
Multimodal Search Capabilities Go Broad
A key advancement highlighted is the broader availability of asking complex questions about images. Previously exclusive to Android and iOS mobile devices, this powerful multimodal search feature is now rolling out to desktop browsers. This means users can interact with visual information directly through Search, leveraging AI to understand and query the content of images.
Robby Stein, VP of Product for Google Search, announced these significant updates via social media on July 29, 2025. He also unveiled a new feature, Search Live, which enables real-time voice conversations with Google Search. By using a camera to focus on objects, documents, or surrounding environments, users can engage in a live, AI-powered dialogue, effectively turning their camera into an intelligent learning partner.
AI Mode Integration Across Devices
Further enhancing accessibility, Chrome desktop users will now benefit from direct AI Mode integration through Google Lens. This integration allows users to initiate searches directly from their screen content, providing immediate AI Overviews with relevant contextual insights. A notable addition within these overviews is the “Dive deeper” feature, which facilitates follow-up conversations, allowing users to explore topics and ask subsequent questions without starting a new search.
A History of AI-Driven Search Innovation
These latest enhancements are part of Google’s ongoing strategy to systematically expand its artificial intelligence search capabilities. The company has been consistently rolling out new AI-powered features in recent weeks. This includes the expansion of AI Mode to the United Kingdom on July 28, the introduction of automated business calling features on July 16, and an enhanced integration of the popular “Circle to Search” functionality on July 9. These developments underscore Google’s commitment to embedding AI more deeply into the search experience, aiming to provide more intuitive and powerful ways for users to interact with information.
The addition of PDF analysis and the Canvas planner, coupled with the desktop expansion of image querying and the real-time interaction offered by Search Live, marks a significant step forward in making AI a more integral part of everyday learning and productivity for a wider user base.
