Google has a wide variety of applications that make up a solid ecosystem. Although most of them offer access to its most successful services, such as Gmail or Google Drive, it also has some tools that are not as well known, but no less useful. One of these is Google Lens, a real subtle Swiss army knife that will help you get the most out of your phone’s camera. In this article, we compile the best tips and tricks for you to get the most out of this application.
What is Google Lens and What is it for?
Before getting into the subject, we need to clarify what we mean when we talk about Google Lens. This is an independent application that allows you to perform various functions using the device’s camera. It is based on an image recognition system, offering contextual information and other useful actions for the user.
Google Lens was first launched in 2017 and, since then, its developers have not stopped improving it. Although it can work without relying on other services of the company, the most interesting thing is its integration with other applications, such as Google Photos or the search engine. Google Lens comes preinstalled on some devices, although on others it is necessary to do it manually.
How to Install Google Lens?
If your device does not include Google Lens as a system application, it is possible to install it easily. We explain two different methods. The first requires you to have access to the Google Play Store.
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for Google Lens using the text field above.
- Click on Install.
- When the download and installation are complete, tap Open to launch the app.
If for some reason you do not have the Google Play Store on your device, it is possible to download its APK from external sources. It is best to do it from a trusted repository, such as APKMirror.
- Access the Google Lens download page on APKMirror.
- Locate the latest version available and tap on the download arrow.
- On the next page, look for the Download APK button.
- Once you have the APK, open it. Finish the installation by following the usual process.
Both methods are valid for running Google Lens standalone and for using its integration with other Google services.
The Best Tricks for Google Lens in 2021
Having clarified exactly what Google Lens is and how to install it on your terminal, we review some of its most important features.
Send Any Image to Google Lens
Google Lens uses your phone’s camera to perform various actions. However, you can also use images you have previously captured. All you have to do is open the Share menu and select the Lens option. This is the same process you would use to send a photo to a friend using a messaging application. The image will be copied to Google Lens and analyzed to display information.
Extract Text with Your Mobile Camera
Extracting text is one of the most basic functions of Google Lens, but also one of the most useful. First of all, you should know that you can scan all kinds of text, whether printed or handwritten. Then you can copy and paste it into any other application. An example that demonstrates the usefulness of this function is to scan the password of a public Wifi network to access it quickly.
Read QR Codes with your Cell Phone Thanks to Google Lens
The QR code is a simple way to share information with others. That’s why many businesses use it as a shortcut to their website or to share files, such as a restaurant menu. In any case, when you come across one of these codes, use Google Lens to read it. If this tool is built into your phone, it is the best way to read QR without downloading additional applications.
Add Contacts from a Business Card or Create Calendar Events
In the professional field, Google Lens can become a great ally. By framing a business card or a written date, the application will allow you to add a new contact or create an event in the calendar. This is very useful for transferring a new client’s data to the agenda or organizing yourself more effectively.
Know the Name of almost any Plant or Tree
Knowing the name of a plant or tree with your phone’s camera is very simple thanks to Google Lens. In this case, you must use the Search option for the application to display its scientific name. When you open the context menu, you will access more images and some websites from which to get more information, such as Wikipedia. By the way, it also works with animals.
Information about Brands and Products
Using the Search option it is possible to identify logos and trademarks. As usual in Google Lens, thanks to the contextual search you can find out the history and other relevant information about the company behind the logo. By identifying products, you can also find out how much they cost and where they can be purchased.
Take A Look At A Restaurant’s Dishes
Using the large database of Google Maps, Lens can identify the dishes on a restaurant’s menu and show you images of what they look like. Similarly, it is possible to know the most popular dishes, which the application will mark in yellow to highlight them.
Perform Mathematical Operations
By simply focusing on a mathematical operation, including those written by hand, you will get the result quickly. And if you open the search menu, you will access the Google calculator. This allows you to perform additional operations without leaving the application.
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