Following the rapid AI updates and despite all the challenges and risks this new technology poses, I can not help but think that we live in an unprecedented era where learning and the pursuit of knowledge have never been this easy.
AI chatbots have made it super easy to provide custom responses to almost any query under the sun. AI generators which are now accessible to anyone with an Internet connection enable users to generate beautiful artwork, visuals, and videos without the need for any graphic design knowledge.
Reading is another area where generative AI is making significant strides, fundamentally transforming how we interact with text. A growing range of AI tools now lets you engage with documents and PDFs conversationally—asking questions, summarizing content, or extracting key insights as if you’re having a dialogue with the text.
I have already covered a number of these AI PDF chat tools and today I want to highlight the latest AI features introduced by Adobe Acrobat, features which take document interaction to a whole new level.
Adobe AI Assistant Features
Adobe Acrobat has long been the go-to PDF reader for many, and for good reason. It’s a robust and versatile tool that has been a staple since the early days of PDFs. However, with the integration of AI into its eco-system, Adobe has transformed into a smarter, more intuitive platform, redefining how we interact with and manage PDFs. The following are some of the most impressive features Adobe has recently added to their platform:
1. Conversational Interaction
Interaction has always been one of the best features in Adobe. We have always been able to write comments, annotate passages, add stickers, etc. AI has now amplified this interaction and makes it even smarter. You can now engage directly with your PDFs. You can ask specific questions and get instant answers based on the content of your PDFs. You can also seek clarification on specific sections to enhance your overall understanding of the material.
2. Generative Summaries
Adobe has joined the booming AI content summarization technology and with a single click, you can now easily generate comprehensive summaries of your documents complete with headings, section links, and key points. This is definitely a game-changer in the way we read documents.
You can quickly understand the gist of a paper and decide whether you want to read it in-depth or not. This is an excellent feature for when working on literature reviews or research projects, allowing you to efficiently sift through large volumes of documents and focus on the most relevant content.
3. Source Attribution
This is my favourite feature in these new updates. Without citing sources it is hard for me to trust AI generated content and when you are working on any serious research project this becomes even more critical. Adobe AI assistant addresses this concern by including source attribution in its responses. Each response comes with numbered references that link back to the original content. You can easily verify information and make sure responses are not only accurate but also properly attributed.
4. Multi-document analysis
Another powerful new AI feature introduced by Adobe is the ability to upload multiple documents and have the AI assistant interact with them collectively. For instance, you can upload PDFs, Word files, and even PowerPoint presentations and the AI assistant will analyze them collectively and provide you with responses and insights, identify key themes and even draft content like emails or reports based on the aggregated information. Now you tell me, isn’t this the best thing that can even happen to you as a research student!
How to Use the AI Assistant?
Here is how to get started using Adobe AI assistant:
- First, Launch Adobe Acrobat and open the PDF you wish to interact with.
- Click on the “AI Assistant” option located in the global bar at the top right corner of the interface.
- Select “Get Started” to begin. You can either choose from suggested questions or type your specific query into the message field.
- The AI Assistant will generate answers, complete with source attributions. Click on the numbered references to navigate directly to the corresponding sections of your document.
- To analyze multiple documents, select “Add files” and upload the desired files. The AI Assistant will consider all included documents when generating responses.
Availability and Pricing
The Acrobat AI Assistant is available across various platforms, including desktop applications, web browsers, and mobile devices. Adobe offers a complimentary, limited number of requests for AI Assistant features to both free and paid Acrobat users. For unrestricted access, Adobe provides an AI Assistant add-on subscription, with early access pricing starting at $4.99 per month.
