Google will scan your PDFs to make it easier for you to find your files

The American giant enriches its file explorer with an advanced search function already present in Google Photosand the result seems rather convincing.

Over time, PDFs, screenshots and other scanned documents accumulate and form a mass that is difficult to navigate and which, moreover, takes up space. It would be best to sort these files, rename them and delete them when they are no longer useful. But, it must be admitted, the task can be difficult and the simplest solution is generally to put it all off until tomorrow.

A bad idea ? Not really anymore, because Google finally offers us the solution to this terrible problem.

Give me your files and I’ll tell you what’s inside

Technology advances, and our applications and software follow suit. The file explorer for Android, Files by Google, is no exception to the rule, and as proof: its developers are in the process of adding a very popular feature. Indeed, it will be possible to analyze PDF files and images present on the device to extract key elements.

Thanks to this, we will be able to use the application’s search field to find the menu of a restaurant downloaded some time ago, or a photographed receipt, thanks to their content. The possibilities are numerous, and the tool will make it easier to navigate the numerous files that can accumulate on a tablet or smartphone. Especially since Files by Google has just equipped itself with a document scanner, the firm’s timing is perfect.

Certainly, the concept is not particularly new, since it has already been present in Google’s Photos application for some time, to name but one. However, the free integration of such functionality directly into a file explorer is rather convenient, and it is an addition that should interest many.

The update currently being deployed

So, can we get our hands on this feature yet? Google seems to be rolling it out gradually, and it might take a little while before it arrives at your home. Especially since, according to our colleagues atAndroid Police, some things are missing, such as facial recognition or location awareness, like on Google Photos. In the meantime, you can always check if you have the latest version of Files, and see if you have access to the “ SmartSearch » (intelligent search).

It is the latter which will allow the application to take a look in your files, in the background, in order to extract the essential marrow. Google warns that the first scan of your storage space could take up to a few days for the most… productive users. It remains to be seen whether this will have a significant impact on the performance and autonomy of the device.

During this time, you may wonder about the confidentiality of your data. The American company wants to be reassuring, explaining that “ the analysis is carried out on your device ”, and therefore no information comes out. We will let you be the judge of this statement. However, if you’re used to dealing with sensitive documents on your Android smartphones or tablets, it might be a good idea to ignore this feature for now.

Source : The Verge