HIGHLIGHTS

iPhone users can now discover a new Lens option that enables them to select and search for content displayed on their screen within the Chrome browser or the Google app.

To use this feature in Chrome, users need to navigate to the three-dot menu and select “Search Screen with Google Lens.”

In the coming months, a Lens icon will also be added to the address bar for easier access.

Google has introduced an innovative and convenient way for iPhone users to search directly from their screens, thanks to a recent update to Google Lens. This new feature, akin to the circle-to-search functionality available on Android devices, allows users to collect and locate information visually, all without the necessity for taking a screenshot or opening a new browser tab. Whether you find yourself immersed in an article, making online purchases, or watching multimedia, you can execute searches instantly through simple gestures like highlighting, tapping, or even drawing on the screen.

In a recent blog post, Google stated, “If you’re an iPhone user, you’ll discover a new Lens function that enables you to select and search for whatever is displayed on your screen, utilizing any gesture that feels natural to you.”

For users of Google Chrome, engagement with this feature is straightforward. Just head to the three-dot menu in the browser and select “Search Screen with Google Lens.” Furthermore, Google has announced plans to integrate a Lens icon directly in the address bar in the months ahead, simplifying the search process akin to what is available on desktop versions of Chrome.

Those who prefer using the Google app on iOS will find that the same functionality is readily accessible. By tapping the three-dot menu and choosing “Search this Screen,” users can choose what they want to search simply by highlighting or tapping. This significant update eliminates the need for additional steps, thus facilitating a fluid search experience without disrupting your current activity.

Google Lens has long been renowned for its capability to identify various objects—ranging from plants to products and landmarks. The latest enhancements involve the use of cutting-edge AI models that can analyze and generate insights on more rare and unfamiliar images. Instead of requiring users to input a specific question, AI Overviews will increasingly provide detailed explanations and context based on the visual input, enhancing the overall usability of the feature.

For instance, if you happen upon a car featuring an uncommon texture on its surface and wish to learn more about it, you can simply click the camera icon situated in the Search bar, take a photo with Lens, and receive an AI Overview that includes relevant insights and links from the web.

This update is currently being rolled out for users who speak English in regions where AI Overviews are available. Initially, the feature will be accessible via the Google app for both Android and iOS platforms, with a subsequent rollout planned for Chrome on desktop and mobile devices.

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Additionally, as part of ongoing advancements, Google is continually refining how users can interact with visual content on their devices. The integration of AI into Google Lens signifies a significant step toward creating a more immersive and intelligent user experience, allowing individuals to not just browse information but engage with their world dynamically.

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