Google is still making whoopee with the Gemini AI experience and there’s no sign of slowing down, integrating capabilities across a number of smartphone functions. Following the introduction of features like “Ask about this screen” and “Ask about this video,” the company is now rolling out a long-awaited addition: “Ask about this PDF” functionality. This new feature, first previewed at I/O 2024, makes its debut on Google’s Files by Google app for Android with new PDF navigation efficiency.
What is ‘Ask About This PDF’?
This ‘Ask about this PDF’ feature will enable users to simply go over lengthy PDF documents for answers or summaries without the manual search of pages. It seamlessly integrates with the GitHub PDF overlay, opening customers up to interacting with their PDF or Markdown files with voice or text prompts.
Just like the ‘Ask about this video’ feature, this new chip is built to help users consume and understand information within a PDF file in a simpler way.
Availability and Requirements
Files by google’s play store update for files by google says the “Ask about this PDF” chip when it started rolling out last week. Unfortunately, it is currently limited in availability.
- Gemini Advanced – A top tier for Gemini users.
- The latest version of the Android operating system is Android 15.
- Users must make Gemini the Default Assistant – The assistant on your device is not Gemini!
How Does It Work?
The Gemini AI overlay activates when users access a PDF inside the Files by Google app and see the feature arrive. Above the Gemini interface sits a chip labeled ‘Ask about this PDF,’ much like a YouTube integration for videos.
Users can select the chip to pose questions or request auto summaries, making it a nice tool for quickly gaining context to long or complex documents. Unfortunately, although the feature is out now, it hasn’t reached all users yet and many are still greeted with the ‘Ask about this screen’ chip, which only grabs the visible content of the screen and doesn’t analyze the whole PDF.
Real-World Applications
The implication of this functionality for professionals, students, or organizations always dealing with large documentation is substantial. It can:
- Reduce long contracts or reports to a few seconds.
- It gives instant responses to specific questions inside a document.
- It helps to reduce time spent on information hunting to get more productive.
Due to how that utility scales based on how many users gain access, the utility of “Ask about this PDF” is expected to grow the more users gain access in particular environments where quick and accurate information retrieval is critical.
A Step Forward for Gemini AI
Google’s broader plan to make AI tools easier and more effective across different use cases. The Gemini overlay, already able to support contextual interactions with screens and videos, is maturing into a much larger assistant that improves everyday tasks.
When Can You Expect It?
The feature is being rolled out gradually, but Google has yet to share a firm timeline to wider availability. Those with the right setup can check out the feature by updating their Files by Google app and flipping on the Gemini overlay, which shows over a PDF.
Conclusion
Integration of ‘Ask about this PDF ’ is yet another step in Google’s way of making AI more practical and user friendly. This feature will potentially change the way we interact with digital content whether summarizing documents for work or answering quick questions in class.
Google is promised to keep refining Gemini AI adding more tools to simplify our life and make it better.
Ethan Cole is a tech aficionado dedicated to exploring the latest innovations and gadgets, providing reviews and insights to keep you updated in the tech world.
