Google Lens allows searching with voice and images

With a recent update, Google Lens now allows adding audio recordings to visual searches. The feature in question was discovered by Android Police after they came across a new glow animation.

Before this, the glow animation was over the magnifying glass icon, and tapping that icon would open the “Voice Search” tooltip on the screen, informing you of the change. Now, when the shutter button is held down, a message appears saying “Talk now to ask a question about this image.” You then proceed to give a command or ask a question, and what you say appears as a scrolling text transcription on the screen. Google Lens starts searching by taking into account the recording shortly after you release the button.

Android expert Mishaal Rahman published a video demonstrating the use of this feature. He asked Google Lens to count how many blueberries were on his plate. Rahman noted that the questions appear on Google Search, where “Gemini will attempt to provide an answer within an AI Overview.” It is worth noting that Rahman’s use of “will try to answer” is important, as Google Lens does not always give the correct result. At least for now.

The tool is stated to work pretty well overall, but can occasionally confuse a response. However, it is also underlined that the update works quite well for a quick response.

Android Police reports that the update is server-side, so states that it should already be available on all Android smartphones.