Google is rolling out its much-anticipated “Ask About This PDF” feature, adding a smart layer of interactivity to PDF files via the Files by Google app.
First announced at Google I/O, this feature enables users to use the power of the Gemini AI assistant to gain quick, AI-driven insights into their documents.
According to Android Police, summoning Gemini while viewing a PDF in the latest version of the Files app reveals the “Ask About This PDF” option. Tapping this button allows you to ask questions about the file, similar to how you might interact with ChatGPT for document insights. Mishaal Rahman reported on Friday that the feature had begun rolling out, with a screenshot showcasing the interface in action.
To access this functionality, your device must run Android 15, and you need to be a Gemini Advanced subscriber. Additionally, Gemini must be set as your default assistant. This screen-aware feature, first introduced during the I/O developer conference in May, demonstrates Google’s effort to make AI tools contextually relevant and accessible.
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In addition to PDFs, other context-aware Gemini features include the ability to ask questions about web pages and YouTube videos. For unsupported file types or apps, the assistant offers a fallback “Ask About This Screen” feature, which analyzes a screenshot of your current view. This broadens the usability of Gemini, making it a versatile tool for various information-retrieval tasks.
This exciting new capability promises to redefine productivity and document interaction. Stay tuned as the feature rolls out more widely!
