Google Lens isn’t exactly the most well-known application amongst Android users, which is actually a real shame. This nifty little utility can provide some significant productivity benefits, if used correctly. Let’s go over a few capabilities that Google Lens can provide to give you some tips on how to use it.

So, What is Google Lens?

Available on the Play Store, Google Lens is a tool that gives you a more interactive way of looking at the world by incorporating artificial intelligence features and using your camera and image storage as input. Basically, by looking at an image, Google Lens can identify elements and give you additional options. Take a picture of a butterfly, and Google Lens can help you figure out what species it is.

As a result, a user can get more context and utility out of their real-world surroundings through their mobile device—or in other words, by pointing their camera at something, a user is able to do much more than just take a picture.

This makes it no stretch of the imagination to think that there are potential workplace benefits to be had from Google Lens.

Copy and Share Text from the Real World

The copy-paste function is one of the best-known there is, so I’m sure you can see how useful it would be to be able to copy and paste text from your camera. This is precisely what Google Lens can accomplish. Whether the text is on a physical document, a whiteboard, a billboard… whatever it may be, Google Lens can capture it just like it was on a website. Just select the text, press Copy at the bottom of your display, and you have it.

At that point, you can share this text to any computer where your Google account is actively logged in, directly to the clipboard.  

Pull Contact Information from a Business Card

Business cards are a great networking resource, but unfortunately are a wee bit analog for today’s digital business environment. However, when combined with Lens, the business card gets back some of its utility. Lens can automatically capture the details of the card just by pointing your camera at it or taking a picture. Just follow the prompts that come up, and you’ll be able to make a call, send a text or email, or even visit a website.

Easy Calendar Event

Calendar events are super useful for keeping track of what needs to be done and adding them is super easy with Google Lens. Whether an event is on a flyer, scribbled on an appointment card, whatever it may be, Lens can draw out the details and its AI will give you the option to Create calendar event in the calendar application of your choice.

The possibilities with Google Lens go far beyond what we’ve covered here, so make sure you download the application and give it a try for yourself. Once you’ve done so, come back here and tell us what you think in the comments!