For Google, vision-driven search engine features have existed for a long time already. In some ways, it already exists in the form of the reverse image search feature and the Google Socratic app.
However, Google recently hinted that Google Lens, the machine behind its advanced imaging searching features, will be coming to Chrome. After its commitment to a future without cookies and its FLoC experiments, this move quickly sets the pace for online advertising and shopping as we know it.
If you couldn't already tell, we're quite excited about Google Lens making its way to Chrome. Here are five reasons why.
1. Copy Text on Photos or PDF Easily
Occasionally, we come across quotes or excerpts in paragraphs that really tug our heart strings (or, something we need for work). Unfortunately, they often come in the form of pictures or PDFs. While we can try to save them on our computer, it's easy to lose them.
Thankfully, Google Lens can help you take a photo and copy text at the same time. With this, you can both save a picture and add it as text in your notes.
2. Identify Plants and Animals
For plant mamas and pet lovers, love at first sight is a very real thing. Unfortunately, lifestyle photos often treat plants and animals like decorations and not branded items. For this reason, they seldom mention what it is or where you can get it.
It can be very difficult to stop thinking about what could have been the one that could have made your collection a little more complete. With Google Lens on Chrome, you could find the name of the perfect plant or puppy and where to find one easily.
3. Help With Homework
As more schools move their content online, most of the homework goes with it. Unfortunately, because teachers aren't easy to catch for consultations after class, it can be difficult to ask for help for things that you don't understand.
While easier questions can be asked through a simple search, math problems are a different animal because typing long equations can be near impossible. With Google Lens, it's possible to take a quick snap from a PDF questionnaire and do a quick search.
Alternatively, you can also use Google Socratic to help with homework. Using the same technology of Google Lens, Google Socratic utilizes the same features through a mobile app which is geared towards educational purposes.
4. Find Your Favorite Content Creators
Have you ever watched random clips on social media, laughed your heart out, and scramble to find where to get more? With a lack of proper attribution, it's a little disappointing when you're looking for more, but just can't find anything.
Using Google Lens for Chrome, you could quickly find content creators that match with your interests or humor. In just a few clicks, you don't have to spend hours searching the web with vague terms to find people you want to follow.
5. Search for Items to Purchase Online
Have you ever watched a TV show and seen an outfit that you just know will make you look like amazing? Or, have you ever seen a piece of furniture while streaming a movie and think that it will look spectacular in your living room?
Previously, curious shoppers would follow Instagram accounts dedicated to fashion on TV and wait to see where the clothes are from. With Google Lens for Chrome, shoppers could skip this step and find brands directly.
See the World in a New Way With Google Lens
When mixed with Google's increasingly intelligent algorithms, Google can effectively catalog everything online that you would ever want to buy in the most convenient way possible. In just a few clicks, you can go from a lifestyle photo to checking an item out on an eCommerce platform.
While the technology behind Google Lens has been available for quite some time, its introduction to Chrome will add a myriad of possible practical uses across industries. However, only time will tell how effective Google Lens for Chrome will be to meet Google's objectives.