Gemini the Google AI assistant has brought a new update. Now it can detect when a PDF file is opened on the screen. It makes the user ask questions to it about the content.
According to The Verge, this feature is part of a larger initiative to bring the context-aware capabilities of Gemini, which aims to users interaction with digital files. The functionality has begun rolling out to Gemini Advanced subscribers, The Verge reports.
When users view a PDF within the Files by Google app, they can summon Gemini and tap a new button labeled “Ask about this PDF.” This option allows users to pose specific questions about the PDF’s contents, similar to how one would engage with a conversational AI like ChatGPT. This feature significantly improves how users interact with their files. For instance, you could open a PDF–be it a research paper, eBook, or report–and seamlessly ask Gemini, “What’s the summary of this document?” or “Can you explain this section?”
The assistant responds with a detailed summary or clarifications, much like having a personal assistant interpret the file for you. Google had first teased this functionality during its I/O developer conference in May 2024, and it is now becoming available to Gemini Advanced subscribers. While currently limited to this group, the feature is expected to expand to a broader audience in the future.
The PDF recognition capability is part of Google’s efforts to make Gemini more context-aware across various media. Previously, Gemini allowed users to ask questions about web pages and YouTube videos. Now, it can interpret content displayed on a device’s screen, opening up new possibilities for mobile users. For apps or files that do not yet support Gemini’s context-aware functionality, the assistant can still help by capturing a screenshot of the screen and offering to answer questions based on it. For instance, while reading an article in a web browser or watching a YouTube video, users can tap on “Ask about this screen” to have Gemini analyse the content and respond. This interactive feature positions Gemini as more than just an assistant; it becomes a highly intuitive tool for navigating digital content across devices.
To access this new functionality, users need a subscription to Gemini Advanced, Google’s premium AI assistant service. While the feature is still being rolled out, it marks a significant advancement in how digital assistants can interpret and interact with content, streamlining information retrieval and daily tasks.
Integrating AI-driven tools like these into widely used apps, such as Files by Google, reflects a growing trend of digital assistants becoming indispensable for productivity and content management. Whether reviewing a report, reading a PDF for work, or navigating complex information, Gemini’s capabilities are designed to make the process faster, more efficient, and interactive.
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