Google has rolled out a significant upgrade to its AI Mode in Search, expanding its capabilities with new tools designed to help users interact more effectively with and manage information. These enhancements appear strategically timed to reinforce Google’s dominance in the search market, especially as third-party AI tools grow increasingly popular.
The updated AI Mode now allows for PDF and image uploads on desktop, introduces a project management tool called Canvas, and unveils a real-time video-based response feature named Search Live. Together, these additions position AI Mode as more than just a smart search bar—it’s now evolving into a full-fledged research assistant.
Improved AI Mode brings file uploads to the desktop
Unlike traditional search results, Google’s AI Mode generates a broader response by automatically creating related questions based on the user’s query. Users can then refine or expand the conversation with follow-up prompts. The latest update introduces support for uploading PDFs and image files directly through desktop browsers. Once uploaded, users can ask detailed questions about the content, receiving answers that incorporate both the document and web-based references.
While mobile users were previously able to interact with AI Mode using photos or screenshots, extending this feature to desktop users opens up the possibility for more extensive research. For example, students can now upload class slide decks or textbooks in PDF form and receive AI-generated insights, summaries, and clarifications. According to Google, the tool cross-references its responses with live web sources, offering citations and links to verify the information.
This update positions AI Mode as an on-demand tutor or research assistant, enabling richer and more contextual exploration of topics beyond what traditional search alone can provide.
Canvas introduces a space for long-term learning
To support more complex and ongoing inquiries, Google has introduced a new organisational feature called Canvas. Found within AI Mode, Canvas functions as a digital notebook, allowing users to create and manage projects across multiple sessions. Inspired by tools like ChatGPT’s Canvas and Google’s own Gemini Canvas, this side panel enables users to build structured learning plans or research projects with the assistance of AI.
Users can begin by entering a general prompt, such as “learn about renewable energy technologies”, and then use the “Create Canvas” button to initiate a session. From there, the AI can help organise thoughts, draft outlines, suggest resources, and track questions. Importantly, Canvas maintains continuity across sessions, even after the browser is closed, allowing users to return to their research later without losing progress.
In the near future, Google plans to enable direct file uploads into Canvas, further integrating it with the broader AI Mode experience. These changes hint at a unified workspace that may closely resemble Google’s experimental NotebookLM platform, though without audio-based features for now.
Search Live enables real-time visual interaction
Perhaps the most cutting-edge addition to AI Mode is the new feature called Search Live. This function integrates Google Lens with Project Astra, allowing users to point their smartphone camera at real-world objects and ask questions about what they see, while recording.
For instance, users might film a complex math problem or a faulty kitchen appliance and ask the AI to assist them in spotting the issue. The video feed acts as the context, enabling the AI to understand the visual input and respond with relevant information, helpful links, or step-by-step solutions. The effect is similar to a live video call with an expert who can immediately address the issue at hand.
In addition, Google is incorporating Lens upgrades into the Chrome browser. Clicking the address bar will now offer the option to “Ask Google about this page,” triggering AI-generated insights about any webpage, PDF, or presentation open in the browser. Users can also highlight sections for deeper analysis, turning any piece of online content into a launchpad for extended research.
While these updates may not drastically alter the search experience overnight, they signal a broader transformation in how users find and interact with information. By blending search, visual recognition, and interactive tools, Google is attempting to redefine its role in a landscape increasingly influenced by generative AI platforms.
As Google adapts to maintain its leadership in the information space, features like AI Mode, Canvas, and Search Live may become central to how people study, solve problems, and navigate complex topics online.
