Google is expanding the availability of its search features in the Chrome browser for iOS. iPhone users can now use the Lens feature to highlight an object on the screen and instantly find related information online. This new tool is essentially an analogue of the Circle to Search feature available on Android.
Lens Brings Visual Search to Chrome
The Lens feature allows iOS users to search directly from the Google app and Chrome browser by selecting an area of interest on the screen. It works with text, images, and videos without requiring a screenshot or a new tab. For instance, if a user sees an item they like, they can quickly find a store where it’s available for purchase.
While Lens on iOS serves a similar function to Circle to Search on Android, there are differences. Lens is limited to the Google app and Chrome, whereas Circle to Search can be used at any time while interacting with a device. However, Circle to Search is currently available only on select flagship Android smartphones. Google has also announced that a shortcut for Lens visual search will soon be added to Chrome’s address bar.
AI Summaries and Future Updates
In addition to expanding Lens, Google is also increasing the availability of AI-generated summaries, which provide quick answers to user queries, including visual ones through Lens, notes NIX Solutions. However, these summaries are not displayed for every search and appear only in certain cases. Yet we’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available.