Just in time for the new school year, Google is rolling out major upgrades to AI Mode in Search, and they could completely change how students, educators, and lifelong learners interact with the web. Whether you're prepping for finals, planning a semester, or just browsing a dense article, these AI-powered tools are designed to help you go deeper, faster—and smarter.

Ask Search About... Anything (Literally)
One of the most exciting new features? You can now ask questions about images and PDFs, directly from your desktop. That means uploading your class notes, lecture slides, or even a screenshot—and getting context-aware answers powered by AI Mode.

Imagine uploading your psychology lecture PDF and asking: “What’s the difference between classical and operant conditioning?” AI Mode won’t just summarize it—it’ll cross-reference your materials with information across the web, then serve up relevant insights and source links to explore further.

Support for images and PDFs is available now on desktop, and support for more file types, including those from Google Drive, is on the way.

Meet Canvas: Your New AI-Powered Study Planner
If you’re overwhelmed by tasks, deadlines, or study goals, Google’s Canvas is here to help.

Integrated into AI Mode, Canvas lets you build plans and organize research over multiple sessions in a dynamic side panel. Ask AI to help you create a study plan for an upcoming exam, click “Create Canvas,” and it starts generating a structured plan immediately.

Canvas is interactive and iterative—meaning you can refine your project with follow-up prompts, and even pull in your own files (like syllabi or notes) to customize your study guide. And once it’s saved, you can revisit your Canvas project anytime, whether you’re reviewing for a test or organizing a group project.

Currently rolling out to users in the AI Mode Labs experiment in the U.S. (ages 18+), Canvas is poised to become a favorite productivity tool for students everywhere.

Real-Time Answers with Search Live
Another standout addition: Search Live with video input. Think of it like having a tutor in your pocket who sees what you see.

By combining Google Lens with Project Astra’s AI capabilities, Search Live lets users point their phone camera at, say, a science experiment or geometry problem, and ask questions in real time. The AI then offers explanations, improvement tips, or links—right as you interact with the physical world.

Rolling out this week on mobile for users in the U.S. enrolled in AI Mode Labs, Search Live brings real-world learning and virtual support together, in a way that’s never been this seamless.

Browse Smarter with AI-Powered Screen Search
Got a tricky diagram or a confusing graph while scrolling on your desktop? AI Mode now integrates directly into Chrome, allowing you to ask about what’s on your screen with just a click.

By selecting “Ask Google about this page” in the Chrome address bar, you can activate Lens-powered screen search. Whether it's a PDF, webpage, or a geometry image, Google will generate an AI Overview in the sidebar—and you can ask follow-up questions instantly using AI Mode.

It’s a powerful new way to turn everyday browsing into a full-fledged learning experience.

 
TL;DR?
Google’s AI Mode in Search just got a serious upgrade—and it's designed for curious minds and busy lives. Whether you're uploading files, pointing your camera, or deep-diving into a webpage, AI Mode is here to help you learn smarter, plan better, and explore faster.

The future of search isn’t just about finding answers. It’s about understanding them.