Your Search is Just a Snap Away with Google Lens

Recently, Google took a group of influencers and journalists on a day trip to explore Google Lens, its latest AI technology that helps humans with their daily activities. Vanessa Obioha was among the group and in this piece, shares the different ways Google Lens can transform everyday life 

Usually, when looking for information or planning a trip, Google’s trusty search engine is always at your service. But what if you can ditch the keyboard and simply snap a picture to get the answers you seek? That’s the enchantment Google Lens brings to the table.

Google Lens, an AI-powered marvel, harnesses the magic of your smartphone’s camera and deep machine learning. It doesn’t just see; it understands and acts upon what it sees. All you have to do is aim and shoot, and like a wizard, it conjures up results tailored to your query.

To embark on your Google Lens journey, you can either download the app (available on Android and iOS) or access it through Google Assistant or Google Photos. Then, it’s as easy as pointing your camera at the object, text, or location of your interest, tapping the Lens icon (which resembles a camera), and watching in awe as Google Lens reveals its secrets, providing you with relevant information and actions.

To demonstrate the enchantment of this tool, Google whisked a group of curious journalists and influencers on a day trip around Lagos, brimming with delightful activities that showcased the versatility of Google Lens. Let’s peek into some of the enchanting experiences we had using this magical technology.

Find Products Online: Our adventure began at the Google Office in Ikoyi, where our charming host, Taiwo, introduced us to the wonders of Google Lens. From finding items to assisting kids with their homework, Google Lens is a real lifesaver for everyday tasks. Taiwo snapped a photo of a vase, and like a digital genie, Google Lens revealed details about the manufacturer, where to purchase it, and prices. Soon, we were all snapping pictures of our bags, shoes, and clothes, to discover their prices and other information.

Translate Text: Our first task for the day was to translate a note written in German. We soon discovered that with Google Lens, language barriers are a thing of the past. We simply used the Translate button on Google Lens, and in real-time, the words transformed before our eyes. Our mission? To shop for items on a mysterious shopping list, with the fastest shopper claiming the crown of victory.

Scan QR Codes: Eager to win the prize, we headed to a supermarket in the Ikoyi and Victoria Island area. Armed with a sheet of barcodes, Google Lens once again came to our rescue. Using the app, we tapped the Shopping icon, allowing us to effortlessly scan the codes and reveal the hidden treasures within. While my partner and I didn’t win, we celebrated the newfound ability to shop with ease.

Explore Places: As we proceeded to our next place of activity, our hosts had another fun task for us. This time around, we were tasked with capturing landmark buildings and unravelling their historical and cultural significance.  We immediately turned our Google Lens camera on as we sped through the Victoria Island area. Using the Places button on the app, we took pictures of the Civic Centre as well as Civic Towers. The results? A treasure trove of historical facts and intriguing insights about these iconic landmarks.

Identify Items Online: Our next adventure took us to Miele Nigeria where Chef Vee awaited us with a tantalizing menu. Our mission? To identify the delicious dishes on the menu list using Google Lens.  With a quick snap and a tap of the Google Lens Search button, my partner and I discovered the seafood Paella. But that’s not all – we could also explore recipes and ingredients with a simple scroll. 

The cooking experience saw us cooking with Chef Vee who made roasted chicken using the spatchcock technique, as well as allowing us to make our own Apple Crumble. Displaying her versatility in the culinary world, Chef Vee took us to Italy with her tasty risotto.

As our day concluded at The Garden in Ikoyi, we engaged in a lively game of charades and a sip-and-paint session. While my artistic talents left much to be desired, I found solace in the knowledge that Google Lens can make everyday activities more enjoyable and, as we discovered, knowledge can indeed be fun!