Files by Google will support Gemini’s ‘Ask about this PDF’

After rolling out a new PDF viewer, Files by Google has detailed a trio of new features, including integration with Gemini’s upcoming “Ask about this PDF” functionality.

• Ask Gemini about a PDF file in Files by Google. Say “Hey Google” or press & hold the power button, tap “Ask about this PDF”, then ask a question.

“Ask about this PDF” was previewed at I/O 2024 in May alongside other features that have since launched, like the Gemini overlay and “Ask about this video.” It lets you “quickly get answers without having to scroll through multiple pages.” 

This feature will be available on Android 15+ if you have a Gemini Advanced subscription, which makes use of the 1 million token context window. Joining the existing Circle to Search shortcut, Files by Google says this is officially “rolling out soon.”

In other Gemini developments, Advanced users can now upload their code repository. It builds on uploading code files in September, with limits of “up to 1 folder per conversation, with a maximum of 1,000 files and a maximum folder size of 100MB.” 

This results in “comprehensive code assistance” since Gemini can understand “the full context of your project.” Select “Code folder” from the ‘plus’ menu in the Ask Gemini field on the web. 

Meanwhile, the Files by Google changelog has two other entries:

• Use Quick Share to receive files directly from Files by Google.
• Move files to the Safe Folder from the Recents section without opening them.

As of version 1.5687.704205387.1, we’re seeing “Move to Safe folder” in the overflow menu for the Recents carousel at the top of the homepage. It joins Share, Add to Starred, and Move to Trash.