Back in 2017, when society was still barely aware of the imminent changes and the overwhelming impact AI would have in a wide range of fields, Google introduced a new product, positioning itself as a company transforming into an AI-driven enterprise1. At the time, the newly introduced Google Lens AI search appeared as a completely innovative and advanced option for online search. Today, with AI receiving significant attention, this technology has advanced even further.
Google Lens AI Search Possibilities
The Google Lens tool has reshaped online search by allowing users to search for information using their camera, providing answers about the objects in the image and generating more contextual or specific information about them. For instance, from a photo of a restaurant, Google Lens can not only identify its name but also provide more detailed information, such as opening hours, menu, or occupancy.
Now, there is growing discussion about the future advancements of this technology and its potential to handle searches using video, voice inputs, or multimodal searches, along with integrating solutions like enabling shopping through the tool. Its further development is essential, as it currently handles about 20 billion search queries per month2.
For example, voice input can be used alongside a captured image to quickly get precise answers by asking specific questions about the object—immediately asking what it is or searching for places where the specific item seen in the photo can be purchased.
Search by video is currently based on real-time capture. This method can be particularly useful for quickly solving problems by filming the issue immediately and receiving AI-generated suggestions for possible solutions.
The future of Google Lens AI search seems even more unique, with the expected development of the first test versions of smart glasses that will use multimodal inputs and further expand search capabilities, allowing real-world visuals to be fed into AI systems to obtain desired search results. However, significant questions remain about addressing data protection and privacy challenges, as capturing the environment in real-time may inadvertently include bystanders, i.e., capturing the faces of strangers, which is neither acceptable nor legal.
How Google Lens AI Search Affects User Experience
AI is highly beneficial in the search process, as it accelerates and personalizes the insights provided. While certain keywords are included in a query, AI, with its vast database, can look at the query from various perspectives and determine whether certain contextual information could be useful in providing an answer. Moreover, it opens the door to perform searches in multiple ways, i.e., not only through text inputs but also with images or voice queries.
Traditional searches make it difficult to tailor results based on a user’s previous search experience, accumulated behaviour patterns, etc. Moreover, such search strategies limit results by linking them to the chosen keywords.
However, personalization itself can also present challenges. For instance, if a user’s behaviour or habits change, Google results may still deliver outdated insights, complicating the search process. The user may need to spend more time finding answers or reformulate the query for the search system.
Personalization can also create a “filter bubble,” where search results are overly personalized and fail to offer diverse perspectives or include other important aspects. Additionally, as AI continues to learn, there is always the risk of inaccurate or irrelevant search results, which can also hinder the search process.
Final Word
In summary, Google Lens AI search is a powerful tool that significantly expands search capabilities. While this search process may present various challenges and risks, it also has the potential to make searching far more efficient.
If you are interested in this topic, we suggest you check our articles:
- Social Media Shows You Only What You Want To See – Why?!
- The Impact of AI Overviews on Search and Website Engagement
Sources: Datastax, Searchanise, Wired1, Wired2
