Google Lens makes it easier to add context to searches using voice

In early June, hints emerged about a more streamlined and direct way to add additional context to Google Lens searches using your voice. Now, it seems that the feature is finally rolling out to the stable app.

Adding context to Google Lens searches allows you to be much more specific about what you want to get. For example, you might want to know which nearby stores sell a certain pair of shoes or get some particular background on a historical monument. You could also find which nearby restaurants prepare a certain dish, among other possibilities.

Adding context to Google Lens searches with your voice becomes easier

Previously, to add context, you first had to point at the target and press the Lens camera shutter button to start a search. Then, after getting the results, you had to click on the “mic” button. However, Google is rolling out a tweak that will make things much easier for fans of the feature. Now, you can simply hold down the shutter button while speaking to add context to your Google Lens search while taking the picture.

While this probably won’t change your life, it will make the process much simpler. This could also help encourage more users to use the feature. If you haven’t received it yet, don’t worry. Google usually starts rolling out features in stages across its services and apps. So, you’ll probably have to wait a few days (or maybe weeks) to use it.

Lens video-based searches still in development

When the first hints of the new way of adding context to Lens searches using your voice were discovered, video-based search capabilities were also spotted. These would work the same as image searches. That is, you could use the shutter of the Lens camera or upload a file from your local storage. However, it seems that this feature is still in development, and it’s not known when it will arrive in the stable app.

Google has not yet announced the new Lens tweak. They will probably do so once it is widely available to everyone. Let’s hope they also offer info on the video-based search feature soon.