Google Lens Can Identify Items, Decode Labels and Find Recipes, Report Says

One use is identifying and buying items. A user can point the camera at a lamp in a restaurant, a vintage watch at an exhibition, a screw for a watch back plate or a remote controller for an old TV. Google Lens can identify the item and return direct links to websites where it can be purchased. If the item is obscure and Lens cannot identify it properly, the report says users can add more context for better results.

Google Lens can also decode laundry tag symbols. Many brands add text labels next to symbols, but some omit them to keep tags small. When a user searches a laundry symbol, Lens explains its meaning, implications and alternative care methods. Users can tell it what garment the symbol is on for a more fitting response.

Another use is understanding symbols on a car's dashboard. The report says most symbols are informational, while some are cautionary. Many modern cars display a descriptive message on the infotainment screen, but if a car does not, Lens can provide information about what triggered the symbol, its potential implications and what to do next. If the symbol is nonstandard, users can specify the car's make and model. The same approach can be used for symbols on a bike's instrument cluster.

Google Lens can help troubleshoot problems with devices and appliances. For example, if a Windows PC shows an error code at boot, a user can take a picture of the code with Lens to learn what it means and possible fixes. If something does not work or a different error appears, the user can go back and forth with Gemini for more help. The report notes that hardware problems may be an exception.

Nutrition labels are another area where Lens can help. People on strict diets often check labels, but some brands use chemical names and identifier codes for additives. A Google Lens search on a nutrition label gives a detailed breakdown of every ingredient, explaining what it is, its typical purpose and how it affects the body. Users can ask follow-up questions about allergies or health conditions.

Lens can also break down ingredients and recipes for dishes. If a user likes a restaurant dish and wants to know its ingredients and preparation, Lens first tries to identify the dish, then gives its name, ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe. The report says users can prompt it for help with any step or ask for substitute ingredients if the listed ones are unavailable.