Google Lens combines the power of live image processing compared to your phone’s camera with artificial intelligence and the enormous reach of the company’s search engine. Apparently, few people know how to use the app, so it has been working to make it more visible to Android users.
Last year, we talked about adding a Lens button next to the microphone icon for voice commands in the Google search bar when browsing results. Just last week, however, we saw the first instance of Lens move to the search bar widget, complete with the updated logo.
But it didn’t just show up there – Google Photos, which already makes it very clear that Lens is available for people to scan their photos and search for things, now presents new warnings when you have the slightest idea that something can be searched for.
Still, this latest move (which could be an A / B test, since it doesn’t seem to be version dependent) makes it clear that Google considers Lens to be a comprehensive consumer research tool.