Google has introduced a new feature for its Gemini AI that makes working with PDFs much easier. Announced earlier this year at Google I/O 2024, the “Ask about this PDF” feature is now available in the Files by Google app. It allows users to ask questions directly about the PDF document, making it faster and easier to get the information you need.

The new feature is part of Google’s Gemini overlay, designed to bring AI-powered tools to different parts of Android. If you’re viewing a PDF in the updated viewer for Files by Google, you’ll now see a new button called “Ask about this PDF.” Tapping it lets you upload a document and then ask questions about its contents. For example, you can ask for a summary of the document, clarification on specific sections, or even detailed information about tables or charts inside the PDF.

Once you tap the “Ask about this PDF” button, the app will start uploading the document. You can then type your question in the “Ask Gemini” text box. While the file is being uploaded, the Send button will remain grayed out until the process is complete. After that, you are ready to go. Gemini will display your responses as an overlay, so you can view the PDF in the background even as you read the responses. You can also ask follow-up questions without restarting the process.

This functionality is similar to what you can already do in the Gemini app. There, you can upload files and chat about their contents. However, the new integration into Files by Google makes the process easier by putting everything in one app. There is no need to switch between apps, which can save you time and effort.

For now, this feature is only available in the Files by Google app. It doesn’t work with Google Drive’s PDF viewer, which continues to offer the standard “Ask about this screen” feature seen in other apps. This may be a bit of a disappointment for those who use Google Drive to manage their files, but future updates may expand this feature to more apps.

It’s worth noting that the “Ask about this PDF” feature is only available to customers using Gemini Advanced. This version of AI takes advantage of longer context windows, meaning it can process and understand larger documents more effectively. If you’re not on Gemini Advanced, you won’t see this option. The feature is being released as part of version 16.0.5 of the Google app. This version is currently in beta but should become widely available in the near future.