Google has announced a suite of enhancements to its AI Mode in Search, showcasing its latest advancements in artificial intelligence-powered search capabilities. The updates, revealed on Tuesday by the tech company headquartered in Mountain View, introduce four new features aimed at improving user interaction with the AI tool. A key highlight is the expansion of Search Live, enabling users to pose inquiries through video feeds using Google Lens. Alongside this, new functionalities including a Canvas mode and support for PDF files are set to enrich the AI Mode experience.
AI Mode Gets New Features
In a recent blog post, Google outlined the upcoming features of AI Mode. Some additions are expected to roll out within the week, while others may take additional time for full implementation. Although the company did not provide specific details, it is anticipated that these features will initially be available in the United States. Notably, these updates are already accessible through Gemini.
Last month, Google launched Search Live for AI Mode, enabling users to engage in real-time voice conversations with the chatbot, akin to Gemini Live. The recent update enhances this functionality by adding video support accessible via Google Lens, where Search Live is already incorporated.
Users can activate Lens within the Google app, select the Live icon, and direct questions at AI Mode concerning the object captured in the frame. The chatbot will be able to analyze the video feed in real-time to respond to user inquiries. The enhanced Search Live with video is set to debut this week on mobile devices in the US for participants in the AI Mode Labs experiment.
Currently, AI Mode permits users to upload images to query their content. In the coming week, desktop users will gain the ability to upload PDF files, allowing them to ask questions related to the material, with the chatbot capable of contextualizing responses based on online information.
Google has indicated that future iterations of AI Mode will support additional file types beyond PDFs and images, including documents sourced from Google Drive.
Another exciting addition to AI Mode is the Canvas feature. Mirroring the version available in Gemini, this tool allows users to formulate plans and organize information. Instead of a dedicated access button, Canvas will become available when users submit related queries, prompting a “Create Canvas” button. Selecting it will open a dynamic side panel where the chatbot will draft the requested plan.
Once a Canvas is established, users can refine it by sending follow-up inquiries or highlighting specific text to request modifications. Google plans to enhance this feature further, permitting users to personalize their plans with context derived from files such as class notes or syllabi. This functionality will be available in the upcoming weeks for users in the AI Mode Labs experiment on desktop.
Lastly, Google is integrating AI Mode into Google Chrome through Lens, empowering users to inquire about content displayed on their screens. This feature can be activated by clicking on Chrome’s address bar and choosing the “Ask Google about this page” option.
This action will initiate AI Mode in a side panel on the page, enabling the chatbot to address any questions users may have. Moreover, users can highlight text or elements on the page, providing the chatbot with contextual understanding for their inquiries.
