Despite being a powerful tool, Google Lens is often underutilized because many people are unaware of its versatile capabilities, which can be beneficial in numerous scenarios. Below is a summary of the main features of Google Lens and its practical applications:
Accessing Google Lens:
Before we dive into exploring the functionalities of Google Lens, let's first understand how to access it. There are various methods to access this tool, including:
- On Android devices, iPads, and iPhones, simply open the Google app and tap on the colorful camera icon located in the search bar.
- If you're using a web browser, you can access Google Lens by clicking on the camera icon in the search bar on the google.com website. However, please note that its features may be somewhat limited compared to the mobile application.
- Another way to open Google Lens is through Google Assistant. Simply say "Open Google Lens" or type or mention "take a screenshot" to find out what's on your screen.
Whichever method you choose to access Google Lens, you'll be amazed by its exceptional image recognition capabilities and its ability to provide comprehensive information about various objects. Enjoy using this invaluable tool and leverage its benefits in your daily life.
Top features in Google Lens and how to use them:
After familiarizing yourself with how to access Google Lens, we will highlight some of its distinctive features and how to use them:
Searching For The Source Of pictures
When seeking the origin of an image or similar images, Google Lens proves to be a handy tool. Instead of typing a word or phrase into the search box, you can use the image itself for your search.
- Open the Google Lens application or the official Google application via your iPhone and Android phone or via the Lens button in the Google Chrome browser
- then choose the image from the image gallery...
Here's how to utilize it via a web browser rather than the Google app:
- Open google.com in your web browser, such as Google Chrome.
- Locate and click on the lens icon situated in the search bar.
- Drag and drop an image into the designated area, select an image from your device, or paste a specific image URL.
- Afterward, click on the "Search" button.
- The search results will display similar images to the one you selected. You can further explore by clicking on the "Search for image source" option to pinpoint the image's origin.
- You can search for the source of the image through the Chrome browser by right-clicking or pressing and holding, then choose Search for Image.
This method is a great way to find images online and is much easier than trying to search for an image by entering a textual description.
Product search:
Have you ever come across something fascinating and found yourself wondering what it is and where you can find it? Google Lens serves as an excellent tool for identifying products.
- To begin, simply open the Google app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
- then tap on the Lens icon. Next, aim your camera at the product you're curious about and press the shutter button.
- Lens will display "Visual matches" in a card at the bottom of the screen.
- You can swipe through them to access information about the product and links to various online stores.
This method proves incredibly useful, especially when it's challenging to describe something for a Google search to find a specific product you've encountered.
Copy and paste text from images:
You can utilize Google Lens not only within the Google app but also across other Google platforms such as Google Photos or the Camera app on Android devices. This functionality enables you to extract text from images for various practical purposes. To explore this feature, follow these steps:
- Open a specific image within the Google Photos app.
- Tap on the "Lens" icon positioned at the bottom of the screen.
- Google Lens will recognize the text within the image, allowing you to select the desired portion for copying, similar to how you would copy text in a document or webpage.
- Choose the "Copy Text" option, and then paste it wherever needed.
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| Copy and paste text from images |
Solving math problems:
Instead of manually typing long mathematical equations into a calculator, you can leverage Google Lens to scan them and quickly obtain the answer. Follow these steps to activate this feature:
To access the Homework feature:
- Open the Google app on your Android, iPad, or iPhone.
- Tap the lens icon in the search bar and choose "Homework" from the camera toolbar. (You can also access the lens through your browser.)
- Aim your camera at the equation and tap the shutter button to get the answer you need.
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| Solving math problems |
Listening to the text aloud:
To listen to text aloud, especially if you're facing difficulty reading or have vision issues, using your phone can be convenient. However, for reading texts in specific locations beyond your phone, Google Lens offers a helpful solution:
- Open the Google app and tap on the lens icon.
- Point your camera towards the text you want to hear aloud and click the shutter button.
- The tool will recognize the text in the image, allowing you to select the portion you wish to hear.
- Tap on the "Listen" button at the bottom of the screen.
- The Google app will then read the selected text aloud for you.
Text Translation:
When it comes to translating text, doing so online is quite straightforward. However, the real challenge arises when encountering text in practical scenarios, such as street signs in unfamiliar languages or menus in foreign restaurants. In such instances, the "Google Lens" feature proves invaluable for effortless text translation. To utilize this feature, simply follow these steps:
- Open the Google app and tap on the lens icon.
- Direct your camera towards the text you want to translate, then tap the search button.
- The tool will automatically identify the text within the image, allowing you to choose specific sections for translation.
- Tap the "translate" button.
- The translation will appear directly on the image.
Or you can select all and then share via the translation be taken to the translation page, where the selected text will appear at the top. The language will be recognized and translated automatically, with the translated text displayed below.
Plant and Insect Recognition:
The Google Lens application is highly valued for its ability to recognize real-world objects, making it particularly useful for identifying various plants and insects. With a vast array of species to reference, this feature comes in handy.
To give it a try, simply open the Google app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device and tap on the Lens icon. Then, point your camera at the plant or insect you want to identify and take a photo. Alternatively, you can upload an image from your photo gallery.
Once captured, the results will display on a card at the bottom of your screen. You can swipe through the results to access more information.
While Google Lens may not always be 100% accurate, it generally performs quite well. Although Google Assistant also offers image recognition capabilities, its primary focus remains on text and web results. Google Lens, on the other hand, serves as a specialized tool for image-based searches and proves to be a powerful and effective asset in this regard.
