Google introduces AI-powered overviews for multi-search functionality in Lens

Google has introduced a new AI-powered feature for its visual search tool, Google Lens, alongside the gesture-powered search for Android devices. Now, users can ask questions about what they see in photos or screenshots uploaded to Lens and receive answers via generative AI.

This update enhances the multisearch capabilities in Lens, allowing users to combine text and image searches simultaneously. Instead of just showing similar images, Lens now provides AI-generated results with insightful information.

For example, users can snap a photo of a plant and ask, "When do I water this?" Lens identifies the plant and offers specific care instructions, like watering every two weeks, using information from various web sources.

The feature integrates with Google's new search gestures, Circle to Search, enabling users to initiate AI queries with a simple gesture.

While Lens's multisearch feature provides generative AI insights, it's distinct from Google's experimental GenAI search. The new feature is available to all users in the U.S. in English starting today, accessible through the Lens camera icon in the Google search app or Android search box.

Google aims to improve search relevance in the AI era by delivering information from various web sources in a different format. However, AI-generated answers may not always be accurate, as they rely on available information and the AI's capabilities.

Google assures users that its GenAI products will cite sources for fact-checking, with plans to introduce generative AI advancements more broadly in the future. The AI overviews for multisearch in Lens are available now, while the Circle to Search gesture will roll out on January 31.