Google is turning Search into an AI study tool

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As districts across the country debate the efficacy of tech-enabled classrooms, Google wants to upgrade the average students' school supplies with new AI features. And they don't even need to leave the Google homepage to find them.

Google Search becomes a study helper

Announced today, Google is refashioning Search and AI Mode into a one-stop shop for homework help. When users turn to Google's query box for questions, they will also be able to ask the search engine to come up with visuals to understand tricky concepts — much like Gemini's interactive visuals announced last year — or create practice quizzes across a variety of subjects.

Search can help students study for standardized tests in collaboration with education companies The Princeton Review, Careers360, PhysicsWallah, and Akira Enem.

Users can also upload images of assignments and study guides to get detailed help using Lens and AI Overview, or connect Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) while in AI Mode to further personalize homework help. With all this data in hand, Search can leverage AI Mode conversations, files, and more to generate entirely personalized study documents, the company explained.

Is Google Search safe for kids?

Google has spent the last year overhauling the classic Search experience with the help of AI.

Last month, child safety watchdog Common Sense Media declared Google's AI-powered Search posed an "unacceptable risk" to minor users. Across the country, students have access to Google's AI features, including Search, through the company's Classroom suite and Google devices like Chromebooks. At the time of the report, Google had blocked access to Gemini for users under 18, but many K-12 students could still interact with the AI model indirectly through Search.

In the weeks following, Google reportedly opened up Gemini access to minors using its Classroom app. Via a new Gemini tab on student accounts, users could ask the chatbot for help with assignments, create study resources, and generate images linked to materials provided by teachers, the New York Times reported.

Google told Mashable that Common Sense Media's study of AI Overviews and AI Mode was flawed. "Our AI Search features are an incredibly useful way for kids and teens to learn, explore and make sense of information and the world," the company said. "This report tests a narrow set of ambiguous and contrived queries that don’t reflect how people use Search and aren't an effective way to measure product safety and helpfulness."

More Back to School upgrades

Google's homework features aren't limited to Search, however. The company is also upgrading Gemini with a brand new student hub, centralizing its school-focused AI tools. Intended to help users manage their customized study resources, users can have Gemini automatically sync study dates, assignment deadlines, and test notifications to Google Calendar.

Google will be adding visualizations, like graphs and charts, to Notebook lesson plans over the coming months. They will also be able to access Google's Deep Research mode while using Gemini Live voice chat.

Google AI Pro for free

Starting today, U.S. college students can get a free year of Google AI Pro or bundle Google subscriptions (like Google AI Pro and a YouTube Premium) at a discount. Students outside the U.S. are eligible for 12 months of Google AI Plus, the company's lower tier subscription, at no cost.