Earlier this year, Google introduced a Circle to Search feature for Android which allows users to take a screenshot and choose what to search for. Thanks to Google Lens and iOS Shortcuts, this functionality can now be replicated on any iPhone.
Google has explained that the key difference between Google Lens and Circle to Search is how the latter is easily accessible on Android with a long-press gesture or home button. While both utilize the same search and OCR technology, Circle to Search offers the advantage of circling or lassoing items for selection rather than just tapping.
Google Lens has been available on iOS through the Google (Search) app for some time now.
The Google app now provides a shortcut that captures a screenshot and sends it to Google Lens for analysis. This “Search your screenshot” shortcut can be activated easily using the Action Button on the iPhone 15 Pro.
However, this convenience can be replicated on all other modern iPhones thanks to the Back Tap gesture. By double or triple tapping the back of the device, users can launch the shortcut.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch.
- Scroll down and select Back Tap.
- Choose either Double Tap or Triple Tap.
- Scroll down to the Shortcuts section and choose a shortcut.
- Tap Back Tap to apply the setting.
- Double-tap or triple-tap the back of the phone to run the shortcut.
Your iPhone will capture a screenshot of the current display and send it to Google Lens for text copying, translation, or visual search, with the option to add a text query. Upon first use, select “Always Allow” to enable image sharing.
While Circle to Search provides a more optimized user experience, this Google Lens shortcut brings the visual search functionality to every iPhone by leveraging native iOS features. It’s a clever move by Google.
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