Google is expanding its visual search capabilities beyond Android devices, bringing a new screen search functionality to iOS users while simultaneously enhancing its AI-powered search features across platforms. This development marks a significant step in making Google's advanced search technologies more accessible to iPhone users, albeit with some platform-specific limitations.
New Screen Search Feature for iOS
Google is rolling out Search Screen with Google Lens for iOS users through the Chrome browser and Google app. This feature allows iPhone users to draw, highlight, or tap anything on their screen to perform instant searches, similar to Android's Circle to Search functionality. The implementation, while more limited than its Android counterpart, represents a significant advancement in visual search capabilities for iOS users.
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| iPhone users can use Google Lens to perform instant searches by interacting directly with their screen |
How the Feature Works
The new functionality can be accessed through a three-dot menu in both Chrome and the Google app on iOS. When activated, users can interact with their screen using natural gestures to select content they want to search. The system then processes the selection through Google Lens and returns relevant search results. Google plans to streamline this process further by adding a dedicated Lens icon to Chrome's address bar in the coming months.
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| The Google Pixel 8a interface shows how users can engage with Google searches using visual search capabilities |
AI Overview Enhancements
Alongside the iOS feature launch, Google is upgrading its AI Overview capabilities across platforms. The enhancement focuses on improving visual search comprehension, particularly for unique or unusual images. The system now leverages advanced AI models to provide more accurate and detailed information without requiring users to formulate specific questions about the images they're searching.
Platform Limitations and Future Prospects
While the new iOS implementation shares similarities with Android's Circle to Search, it comes with notable restrictions. The functionality is limited to Chrome and the Google app, unlike the system-wide availability on Android devices. This limitation stems from iOS's platform restrictions on third-party applications. However, the feature's introduction suggests Google's commitment to bringing parity to its search capabilities across different mobile platforms.
Global Rollout
The update is being deployed globally this week for both Chrome and the Google app on iOS, with English-language users in regions where AI Overviews are available getting first access. The enhanced AI Overview capabilities will initially launch on mobile apps before expanding to desktop platforms in the near future.