Searching with images become easier with the new Google Lens

Searching with images become easier with the new Google Lens 

Google has taken search with images to a whole new level with its AI-powered Google Lens. This advanced visual search feature will reduce the time we spend on SRPs and improve user experience in a very big way. 

What’s new about Google Lens search? 

The popularity of Google’s search mechanism is due to its ease of use and relevant results. The different search options – keywords, image, audio – has made searching of the web simple and more effective. However, difficulties in obtaining the precise result, and timely, persists. The old version of Google Lens showed relevant results for image search;  however,  with the overhauled version users can narrow their search by adding text to the images. 

For example, if you are looking for some fancy wall decals, you can search with a relevant image and add the text ‘where to buy this?’ This simple addition will exclude unwanted results and save you time to make the actual purchase. 

Another example - suppose you are on a Jungle Safari, and you spot a unique animal. You are intrigued to learn more about it. You can click a picture of the animal using Google Lens, tap on the image for a pop-up; enter a question on this pop-up, say ‘What animal is this?’ or ‘What is the origination of this species?’ You will have the required answers within seconds. 

The new AI processing will relate the picture and your question to give relevant answers. Now, isn’t this amazing? You don’t have to spend precious minutes to get the results. You can explore the world with a click and a tap. 

Why was a new version of image search necessary? 

People are more inclined towards visuals. Simple and more intuitive visual searches is the way to go. Keywords or audio search might become irrelevant when we search for specific things online. However, a static image (perhaps a real-time one) along with the right query will increase the chances to get precise results. 

The technology that is powering visual search is called the Multitask Unified Model (MUM). 

When to use Google Lens? 

Google Lens can detect, scan, translate, and extract relevant information about myriad things. You can use this tool to: 

1. Copy-paste text offline to online – Copy printed or handwritten text to a Chrome browser. 

2. Translate text to a preferred language. 

3. Search online reviews for places, restaurants, etc. 

4. Get information on home décor, apparel, furniture or any item of choice. 

5. Identify the flora and fauna of any region. 

How to use Google Lens? 

Android phone users may – 

1. Tap on the Google Lens icon. (It is a native app in Android) 

2. Place it in front of the object. 

3. Press the capture button. 

You can also search for landmarks and buildings in Google Photos using Google Lens. For this, open Google Photos, select a photo you want to detect, press the Google Lens icon on the screen, and you have the results. 

For iPhone users – 

1. Download the Google app. 

2. In the Google app, go to Google Lens. 

3. Grant permission for Google Lens to access your camera. 

4. Place it in front of a place or object. 

5. Capture and explore. 

Final thoughts  

Technology is getting smarter by the day. The downsides of AI are also much debated these days. However, the good news is that you can find answers to your tricky questions more easily now.