A new plus button has appeared in Google Search, letting you upload images and documents for AI-powered analysis via Google AI Mode. Google has not published an official blog post about the button yet, and it is possible that the added function is experimental and available for a handful of users.

Uploading an image or document allows you to use Google AI Mode, where Gemini breaks down the content, allowing queries to be asked about it. For example, if you upload instructions for a model kit, you can ask where to buy certain parts online. If you upload an image of a guitar, you can ask what pickups are used.

Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The enhanced AI features come to Google Search as the company has made a full pivot to AI in the midst of ongoing competition from ChatGPT maker OpenAI. While the two AI players have been trading blows in terms of features, the recent release of Gemini 3 reportedly put OpenAI in a «code red» position. As a result, OpenAI released its GPT-5.2 model to remain competitive.

The size of Google gives the company an edge. It can simply offer more features per dollar than OpenAI, including terabytes of additional storage in Google Drive for subscribers, along with massive context windows when using its AI tool Gemini.

Gemini 3 was also trained on Google’s own Tensor Processing Unit chips, rather than Nvidia chips. This means the company is not reliant on a third-party chip maker and can still make highly performant AI models. Already, some observers are saying that Google has effectively pulled ahead in the AI race.

Looking for the most recent Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles.

Today’s NYT Connections puzzle is kind of tough. If you need help sorting them into groups, you’re in the right place. Read on for clues and today’s Connections answers.

The Times now has a Connections Bot, like the one for Wordle. Go there after you play to receive a numeric score and to have the program analyze your answers. Players who are registered with the Times Games section can now nerd out by following their progress, including the number of puzzles completed, win rate, number of times they nabbed a perfect score and their win streak.

Read more: Hints, Tips and Strategies to Help You Win at NYT Connections Every Time

Hints for today’s Connections groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: Boogie down.

Green group hint: Grandchildren, etc.

Blue group hint: Director Alfred.

Purple group hint: Bang bang!

Answers for today’s Connections groups

Yellow group: Dances.

Green group: Descendants.

Blue group: Hitchcock movies.

Purple group: Starting with percussion instruments.

Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words

What are today’s Connections answers?

The yellow words in today’s Connections

The theme is dances. The four answers are bolero, foxtrot, mambo and quickstep.

The green words in today’s Connections

The theme is descendants. The four answers are brood, family, offspring and posterity.

The blue words in today’s Connections

The theme is Hitchcock movies. The four answers are Lifeboat, Rope, Spellbound and Suspicion.

The purple words in today’s Connections

The theme is starting with percussion instruments. The four answers are bellhop, chimera, drumroll and rattlesnake.

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Since its launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 has made quite the splash. It was voted the best handheld gaming console thanks to its design upgrades, improved graphics and exclusive games. However the console only includes 256GB of internal memory, and some of it is used on the system’s operation. If you’re an avid gamer or need a budget-friendly gift for one, then this Samsung P9 256GB micro SD card is now $33 at Amazon saving you $22. Keep in mind that if this is a gift, you’ll have to order soon to get it on time for the holidays.

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Looking for a micro SD card for your devices but not sure if this deal is for you? We’ve got a list of the best micro SD cards, so you can take a look at all your options. We also compiled a list of the best gifts under $150 if you need any holiday shopping ideas.

Why this deal matters

The Nintendo Switch 2 is this year’s best handheld gaming console, but it only includes an internal memory capacity of 256GB. A micro SD card can expand your Switch 2’s capacity so you can download more games, screenshots and videos. This Samsung P9 is now $22 off, down from its regular price of $55. Note that if you want this as a gift or for holiday travel use you’ll have to order soon.