Google Expands AI Mode with Image and PDF Support, New Canvas Feature
Google is rolling out updates to its AI Mode this week, bringing new features to desktop users. The enhanced AI Mode will now process images, allowing users to ask detailed questions about pictures, similar to the existing mobile functionality. Additionally, PDF upload support is coming soon, enabling users to summarize lengthy documents and ask follow-up questions. AI Mode will cross-reference uploaded materials with web data and provide responses with reference links for further exploration. Over the next few months, Google plans to expand file upload support to include documents directly from Google Drive.
A new feature called Canvas is also being introduced for users enrolled in the AI Mode Labs experiment in the US. Canvas acts as a side panel that consolidates information on a specific topic, updating dynamically as users ask follow-up questions. For example, travelers can request an itinerary and refine it with additional queries, returning to it later if needed.
On mobile, AI Mode’s Search Live is gaining video input, a feature announced at Google I/O 2025. Users can open Lens in the Google app, tap the Live icon, and ask questions about what the camera sees. This functionality is useful for tasks like solving math problems or understanding complex concepts by pointing the camera at relevant material.
Chrome users will soon see an Ask Google about this page option in the address bar. Clicking it will generate an overview of the current screen content—whether a webpage or PDF—in a side panel. A new Dive Deeper button will allow users to ask specific questions about selected content using Lens on desktop.
Originally, these features were expected to launch only in the US, but Google later confirmed they will also be available in India and the UK. The updates highlight Google’s continued push to integrate AI deeper into everyday search and productivity tools.
Updated August 1, 2025, 5:45 AM ET: Added details on the Dive Deeper feature.
Updated July 29, 2025, 12:29 PM ET: Clarified availability beyond the US.
