Google on Wednesday declared a slew of new study tools across Search and Gemini, such as AI-generated interactive visuals, 3-D simulations, a dedicated student hub, customized practice quizzes, and more.
The release of the new study features marks Google’s latest effort to make Gemini the AI assistant that students turn to while learning and studying, as it competes with companies like OpenAI and education startups consisting of Knowt and Gauth, which are also providing their own learning and practice tools.
On Search, students can now create custom tools and simulations to support them understand complicated topics. For example, if a student is learning about pH levels, they can look for “pH scale” and get an interactive visual in an AI Overview that makes the basics simpler to understand.
To go even further, they can ask a follow-up question for something more specialised, like plotting citrus fruits on the pH scale, and AI Mode in Search will then form an interactive experience tailored to the question.
Users can now get customized practice quizzes directly in Search on any subject, including science, math, humanities, foreign languages, and more. For example, users can enter a prompt like, “Generate a quiz with the most typically tested vocabulary words to support me prep for the SAT,” and Search will then create an interactive quiz.
In the coming weeks, Lens in Search will roll out a new interactive learning experience that will support students work through problems. They can tap the “Lens” camera icon within the Google app and then upload a photo of what they’re working on to get AI to explain the concept, detect potential mistakes, and guidance if they’re stuck.
Additionally, students can now ask Search to create study documents based on their uploaded files, inclusive of PDFs, docs, slides, and more. For example, they can upload a photo in their handwritten notes along with lecture slides to get a one-pager that outlines key concepts.
As for the new Gemini features, Google is releasing a feature that lets students release multi-step research reports in Gemini Live and then discuss the findings conversationally.
Users can ask Gemini to research a topic and then close the chat or do other things even as it works within the background. They’ll get a notification when the report is prepared and can then can discuss the findings or ask follow up questions using their voice.
The tech giant also introduced that Gemini can now generate functional 3D simulations to support users better understand topics, as responses will now include tables, grids, and simulations made specifically for the prompt. For example, if you enter a prompt like, “show me how DNA works in 3D,” you’ll be able to interactively rotate and zoom right into a 3D DNA structure.
Google is also releasing a dedicated hub in the Gemini app that brings its learning tools collectively in one place. Users will be able of begin a study notebook, create flashcards, take practice quizzes, and more within the hub.
