Google is more deeply integrating Lens visual search into Chrome for iOS with a new Screen Search capability that takes after Circle to Search on Android. Meanwhile, Google Lens can now recognize more unique images.
Chrome on the iPhone and iPad already has an instance of Lens that lets you take a picture or analyze a screenshot.
You can now “Search Screen with Google Lens” as you’re browsing the web or watching a video. Instead of manually taking a screenshot, you’ll find that new shortcut in the three-dot overflow menu.
A shimmer will appear over the screen and you’ll be prompted to “Circle or tap anywhere to search.” (You can also highlight text.) Web results, including AI Overviews, appear in a bottom sheet, with pages opening a new tab.
This is essentially Android’s Circle to Search capability, and also coming to the Google app on iOS as “Search this Screen” in the three-dot menu (top-right corner).
Google Lens Screen Search is rolling out now with Chrome 133 for iOS and the latest version of the Google (Search) app.
Meanwhile, Google credits “advanced AI models” as allowing Lens to “go much further and provide information on the contents of more novel or unique images.” Results will take the form of AI Overviews, with the expanded recognition meaning that users don’t need to manually append a question.
Perhaps you come across an interesting-looking car and want to learn more about the strange texture on its hood. Just tap the camera icon in the Search bar to snap a photo with Lens. You’ll get an AI Overview to help you quickly make sense of what you’re looking at, along with links to helpful resources on the web.
Expanded recognition is rolling out this week for “English-language users in countries where AI Overviews are available.” You’ll first see this with the Google app on Android and iOS before coming to the desktop and mobile Chrome version.
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