Google is introducing two significant yet subtle updates to its Google Lens technology. Initially, users of Chrome and the Google app on iPhone will be able to draw, highlight, or tap on text and images to initiate a visual search of what they are looking at. This may seem familiar, as Google is essentially adapting an interface concept it introduced last year with Circle to Search on Android to the iPhone. Although the implementation is distinct and more restricted due to iOS limitations, the fundamental idea remains the same: Google aims to eliminate the need for users to open a new Chrome tab or save a screenshot when seeking more information about an image.

At present, Google indicates that users can access this new feature, whether using Chrome or the Google app, by opening the three-dot menu and selecting “Search Screen with Google Lens.” In the future, the company plans to add a dedicated Lens shortcut to the address bar in Chrome, making it even more accessible.

Additionally, the next time users utilize Lens, they are more likely to encounter Google’s AI Overviews, particularly when using the software to find information on unique or novel images. In such instances, users won’t need to prompt Lens with a question about the image for the software to attempt to provide a helpful explanation of what they are seeing; instead, it will do so automatically.

Prior to the announcement, Harsh Kharbanda, director of product management for Google Lens, provided a preview of the feature. Kharbanda used Lens to scan a photo of a car with an unusual surface on its hood, and an AI Overview automatically appeared, explaining that the car had a carbon vinyl wrap, which it further stated people use for both protection and to give their vehicles a more sporty appearance. According to Kharbanda, Google will roll out this update to all English-language users in countries where AI Overviews are available, with the feature first appearing in the Google app for Android and iOS and arriving soon on Chrome for desktop and mobile devices.