Do you know that you can now use Google Lens on your desktop?
Google Lens Now On Desktop
Google Lens is Google’s very own image recognition tool with artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The app is evolving the use of mobile phones. And is impacting the e-commerce industry big time.
But now, Google Lens is made available even on desktop computers. You can find it inside Google Photos.
This is made possible by Google through optical character recognition (OCR). OCR makes the app’s capability convenient. Moreover, it works by allowing users to copy texts from an image.
Limitations as of Today
However, since this is newly introduced yet, the Google Lens for desktop can offer limited features yet.
Unlike the app for mobile, this desktop version cannot recognize what the mobile phone can. For example, people, animals, plants, monuments, and so on.
What it can offer as of today is you can extract and copy text from an image. But we can only expect this desktop version to be expanding more capabilities soon.
If you want to check if Google Lens desktop is available for you, try going to photos.google.com. Then, try opening an image that contains text content.
Helpful Ways to Use Google Lens on Mobile Phones
On mobile phones, where Google Lens first started, you can use it in many different helpful ways.
For example, here are what you can do:
1. Scan and translate foreign text
If you are traveling or are eating out at a foreign restaurant, you will likely see foreign texts around. Do you know that you can use Google Lens to translate foreign characters for you? Simply scan the text with your built-in camera, and the app will provide you translation results.
Also, you can use the app in transferring written texts to digital texts. Try getting a book or a note with text in it. Then, capture the text using the Google Lens’ built-in camera. And you can choose between copying a portion of the detected text or copying the full text in the image. So you no longer have to manually type texts on your phone.
2. Identify Animals & Plants
If you want to know what breed your neighbor’s animal is, snap a picture of it using the app. Then you can have detailed information about its breed.
The same function can be used in identifying plants.
3. Explore Stores & Places Around You
If you are traveling or are walking downtown, try capturing images around you. Google Lens can also identify storefronts, restaurants, landmarks, and historical places.
When you scan a certain place, you will have more details about it. For instance, you will see its operation hours, ratings, and historical facts.
4. Improve Shopping Experience
There’s no need for you to physically go to the malls to compare prices. With the app, you can see how a product costs in different shops.
Also, it helps when it comes to fashion and style guides. For instance, try capturing an outfit you find in a magazine or in a picture you see in social media feeds. Then, the app will give you results of where you can buy the same or relevant items.