Latest news with #Search
Engadget
8 hours ago
- Engadget
Google is bringing image and PDF uploads to AI Mode
Google is updating AI Mode on desktop this week with the ability to process images, so you can ask it detailed questions about the pictures like you already can on mobile. In the coming weeks, the company is also adding support for PDF uploads on desktop in the US, which could help you digest lengthy course or work materials. You can ask AI Mode to summarize the documents for you and ask follow-up questions that it will then answer by cross-referencing the materials you uploaded with information available on the web. Google says AI Mode's responses will also include links to its references that you can visit in order to dig deeper. AI Mode will support additional file types for upload, including ones straight from your Google Drive, in the coming months as well. In addition to PDF upload support, Google is also rolling out a new Canvas feature that you can access if you're enrolled in the AI Mode Labs experiment in the US. You can use Canvas to consolidate all relevant information about a specific topic or for a specific purpose in a side panel that updates as you ask AI Mode more follow-up questions. If you're traveling, for instance, you can ask AI Mode to make you an itinerary and click the Create Canvas button. You'll be able to keep refining the itinerary with more questions, and you can always leave it alone for a while and come back to it later. AI Mode's Search Live is also getting video input on mobile this week, a feature Google announced at I/O 2025, after voice input arrived in June. To be able to access video input, you'll have to open Lens in the Google app and tap the Live icon before asking questions on what the camera sees. When Google revealed the feature during its annual developers' event, it said you could point the camera at a math problem, for example, and ask Search to help you solve it or to explain a concept you're having trouble understanding. Finally, with Lens in Chrome, you'll be able to ask AI Mode what's on your desktop screen. The company will roll out an "Ask Google about this page" dropdown option in the address bar "soon." When you click on it, AI Mode will create an overview with key information on what's being shown on your screen, whether it's a web page or a PDF.
Tom's Guide
8 hours ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Google Search just got a major upgrade — you can now ask images, PDFs and more with AI Mode
Google is rolling out a new wave of AI features to Search just in time for the back-to-school season. The updates expand what users can do in AI Mode, Google's experimental interface that blends generative AI with traditional search. The latest features include support for asking questions about PDFs and images, a new planning workspace called Canvas and real-time help with video input through Search Live. While many of these tools are still in preview through Google's AI Labs, they show how the company is layering more interactivity into everyday search experiences. Now users can ask about PDFs, images and soon, their own files. Arguably one of the most useful upgrades is the ability to ask questions about uploaded PDFs, a feature rolling out to desktop over the next few weeks. This builds on existing image-based search in AI Mode, which is already available in the Google app on Android and iOS and is now expanding to desktop browsers as well. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. For example, students can upload lecture slides or scanned handouts, then ask detailed questions about the content. AI Mode cross-references the file with web sources to generate a summary or explanation, complete with links to dig deeper. Support for additional file types, including documents stored in Google Drive, is expected in the months ahead. Google is also launching Canvas, a side panel that helps you organize plans or content from your AI searches. For example, a student could ask AI Mode to help create a study guide for an upcoming test. Now, users will see an option to 'Create Canvas,' which opens a dynamic space where your outline or plan begins to take shape. Canvas is designed to be flexible, meaning, you can refine it over multiple sessions, ask follow-up questions and soon even upload your own files (like class notes or a syllabus) to tailor the results. Of course, this feature is for users that aren't students, too. It can be useful to build travel itineraries, compare shopping lists or brainstorm creative projects. Canvas is rolling out first to users enrolled in Google's AI Mode Labs experiment in the U.S., and will appear in desktop browsers. Another new feature, Search Live, brings a real-time, video-enhanced layer to Search. Using your phone camera and Google Lens, you can point at an object or diagram and start a conversation with AI Mode, asking questions as you move your camera or change the angle. The tool, powered in part by Google's Project Astra, is designed to feel like having an expert explain something as you look at it. Search Live is rolling out now on mobile to AI Labs users in the U.S.; it integrates directly with the existing Lens tool in the Google app. Finally, Google is adding tighter integration between AI Mode and Chrome. Starting soon, when you click the Chrome address bar, you'll see a new 'Ask Google about this page' option. This lets you use AI Mode to get an overview of what you're reading, such as an explanation of a diagram in a math problem, or follow up with deeper questions using the 'Dive deeper' button. The feature builds on Lens in Chrome, and the AI summary appears in the side panel, helping users better understand complex topics without leaving the page. If you're in the U.S. and enrolled in Google's Search Labs, you can activate AI Mode by selecting the new button on the Google homepage (on desktop) or through the Google app (on mobile). Many of these features like Canvas and Search Live, will appear gradually over the coming weeks. Google says more file types, better customization, and smarter follow-up interactions are planned in the months ahead. For students, professionals and casual users alike, there's no doubt that AI Mode is becoming a more capable and more personalized tool for learning and exploration. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
TechCrunch
8 hours ago
- Business
- TechCrunch
Google's AI Mode gets new ‘Canvas' feature, real-time help with Search Live, and more
Google announced on Tuesday that it's adding new capabilities to AI Mode, its experimental feature that allows users to ask complex questions and follow-ups to dig deeper on a topic directly within Search. One of the new features, Canvas, helps you build study plans and organize information over multiple sessions in a side panel. For example, if you want to create a study plan for an upcoming test, you can click the new 'Create Canvas' button to get started. From there, AI Mode will start putting things together in the Canvas side panel, and you can keep refining the output with follow-up prompts until it fits what you're looking for. Soon, you will also be able to upload files like class notes or a syllabus to customize your study guide. Users enrolled in the AI Mode Labs experiment in the U.S. will see Canvas in the coming weeks. Image Credits:Google Google is also bringing Project Astra capabilities directly into AI Mode via Search Live, which is integrated with Google Lens, the tech giant's visual search tool. 'When you go Live with Search, it's like having an expert on speed dial who can see what you see and talk through tricky concepts in real-time, all with easy access to helpful links on the web,' wrote Robby Stein, VP of Product, Google Search, in a press release. To use the feature, open Lens in the Google app, tap the Live icon, and ask a question while pointing the camera at something. With this feature, users can have a back-and-forth conversation with Search in AI Mode using visual context from their camera feed. Image Credits:Google Search Live with video input is rolling out this week on mobile in the U.S. for users enrolled in the AI Mode Labs experiment. Techcrunch event Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They're here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don't miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise. Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They're here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don't miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise. San Francisco | REGISTER NOW In addition, Google announced that users will soon be able to use Lens in AI Mode to ask about what's on their desktop screen. 'Perhaps you're looking at a geometry problem and want to better understand one of the diagrams,' Stein said. 'Click on 'Ask Google about this page' from the address bar and select the diagram. You'll get an AI Overview with a snapshot of key information directly in the side panel. And this week, you'll be able to follow up with more questions through AI Mode, by selecting AI Mode at the top of the Lens search results or by clicking the 'Dive deeper' button at the bottom of the AI Overview.' Image Credits:Google Plus, while you can already use AI Mode in the Google app to ask questions about images, you can now do so on desktop as well. Google is also adding support for PDF uploads on desktop, letting you ask detailed questions about documents. For example, you can upload PDF slides from a school lecture and ask follow-up questions to deepen your understanding beyond the class materials. Google says AI Mode will support additional file types beyond PDFs and images later this year, including Google Drive files.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Content Forum becomes first Malaysian partner in Google's flagger programme
KUALA LUMPUR: Google has partnered with the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (Content Forum) to strengthen online safety through its global Priority Flagger programme. The move makes the Content Forum the first Malaysian organisation to join the initiative, which allows select partners to identify and report harmful content directly to Google and YouTube via dedicated review channels. Operating under the purview of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Content Forum will now assist in flagging content that potentially violates platform policies, with consideration for local cultural contexts. Google Malaysia country director Farhan Qureshi said the collaboration reflects the importance of tapping into local knowledge to create a safer digital environment. "By working with organisations like the Content Forum, we are adding a crucial layer of local expertise, which deepens our ability to respond to harmful content with relevance and precision," he said. The Priority Flagger programme enables trusted local agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to alert Google about problematic material across platforms such as Search, Maps, Play, Gmail, and YouTube. These reports receive priority review due to the flaggers' industry expertise. As a Priority Flagger, Content Forum will also participate in policy discussions and feedback sessions with Google, helping shape platform governance. Content Forum chief executive officer Mediha Mahmood said the onboarding marked a meaningful advancement in the country's approach to content regulation. "It allows us to move beyond dialogue into action, ensuring that harmful content is flagged and reviewed with the urgency it deserves. "This collaboration reflects our continued role in setting industry standards, empowering communities, and contributing to a safer digital ecosystem through collective responsibility." Content Forum is a self-regulatory industry body designated under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. It represents stakeholders ranging from broadcasters and advertisers to content creators, internet service providers, and civic groups.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Analysts turn heads with new Alphabet stock price target after earnings
Alphabet's solid earnings have investors feeling more confident in Google again. The company posted earnings of $2.31 per share on revenue of $96.43 billion, both ahead of Wall Street analysts' forecast. Search brought in $54.19 billion, while total ad revenue climbed to $71.34 billion, up 10% from last year. YouTube ads came in at $9.8 billion, slightly above expectations. Cloud was a standout, with revenue jumping 32% to $13.62 billion. Alphabet recently struck a deal with OpenAI to power ChatGPT using Google Cloud. Alphabet also raised its 2025 capital spending forecast to $85 billion, up from $75 billion in February, citing "strong and growing demand for our Cloud products and services." CFO Anat Ashkenazi said spending will likely increase again in 2026. The upbeat report helped push Alphabet stock (GOOGL) closer to its all-time high. Shares closed at $194.08 on July 25, up more than 13% over the past month. That mirrors a broader bounce in tech stocks as optimism grows around AI and cloud. So far this year, however, Alphabet shares are still trailing the market, up just 1.91% compared to the S&P 500's 8.62% gain. Image source:Alphabet's latest earnings beat has prompted a wave of price target hikes from Wall Street analysts, though opinions split on how much upside is left. Bank of America analyst Justin Post raised his price target on Alphabet to $217 from $210 while maintaining a buy rating, following the company's better-than-expected second-quarter results. Related: Analysts unveil bold Amazon stock price target before earnings The analyst highlighted that both Cloud and Search outperformed expectations, calling them "a bright spot" in what he described as "another strong" quarter that suggests AI use is growing the market. "Another stable qtr for Search results increases our confidence in the AI transition and should ease concerns on a potential revenue reset," the analyst wrote. "We acknowledge growing users of OpenAI but think Street could be underappreciating potential AI driven upside for Search (more use, better ads) and Cloud," he added. JPMorgan raised its price target on Alphabet to $232 from $200 and reiterated an overweight rating, according to The firm believes Alphabet's AI-driven demand and accelerating backlog make Google Cloud a "bigger driver of the bull case going forward." Other firms also lifted their targets following the earnings beat, though with a more cautious tone. Stifel raised its price target on Alphabet to $222 from $218, citing solid performance across Search, YouTube, and Cloud. However, the firm doesn't expect much follow-through in shares due to lingering concerns about Alphabet's long-term AI position and the DOJ overhang. UBS bumped its target to $202 from $192, calling the quarter Alphabet's "cleanest" in a while, with strong fundamentals supporting earnings growth. Still, the firm kept a neutral rating, pointing to pressure on the stock's valuation from unresolved regulatory risks and rising competition in Search. Despite Alphabet's strong earnings, concerns around regulatory and competitive threats still exist. The company is currently facing a major antitrust lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice. In early August 2024, Judge Amit Mehta of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia accused Google of illegally maintaining a search engine monopoly by using exclusive agreements with device makers like Apple (AAPL) . Related: Jim Cramer drops blunt 6-word message on Nvidia stock The DOJ is now pursuing remedies that include forced divestitures of Chrome and Android. The case is still pending, but could lead to structural changes or costly settlements if the DOJ prevails. Mehta said he aims to rule by August, Reuters reported. Beyond regulatory headwinds, Alphabet is also under mounting pressure from emerging AI competitors. More Wall Street Analysts: Veteran analyst drops surprise call on Tesla ahead of earningsBest Buy analyst, focused on earnings growth, reworks stock price targetMicrosoft analysts reboot stock price targets ahead of Q4 earnings As generative AI reshapes how users find information, traditional search is being challenged by AI tools like ChatGPT. These platforms offer more conversational responses, potentially reducing the need for users to "Google." There's also a risk that trade tensions could curb advertiser spending on Google's platforms, potentially impacting revenue growth. But when asked about the outlook, Alphabet's Chief Business Officer Philipp Schindler said it was too soon to make any calls. "I think it's really too early to comment on anything happening in the second half of the year," Schindler said. Related: Legendary fund manager has blunt message on 'Big Beautiful Bill' The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
