A very useful daily feature has just been incorporated into Gemini, which is part of the Google Chrome browser. This new feature essentially introduces a native visual search tool, with a concept similar to the “circle to search” already known in other contexts.
How to activate the new visual search function
Activating this innovation is simple, requiring the user to click on the “Ask Gemini” icon, located at the top of the Chrome interface. After this step, you will need to expand the plus menu (+) and, finally, select the “Select on screen” alternative.
Once chosen, you can visually outline specific areas of the content displayed on your screen. The tool also allows the simultaneous selection of multiple segments, optimizing the sending of data for processing by Gemini’s artificial intelligence.
Fundamental difference between Gemini and Google Lens
Although Google already offers features with similar purposes, such as Lens, the Gemini implementation stands out for allowing direct conversational interaction with the chatbot regarding the content viewed on the screen. This particularity elevates the user experience, transforming a simple search into an in-depth dialogue with artificial intelligence about what is being seen, offering a level of engagement that goes beyond simply obtaining results.
This capability differs significantly from the Google Lens approach, which traditionally directs the user exclusively to conventional Google search results pages without the possibility of in-context chat.
Account requirements and system compatibility
However, access to the new function is subject to connecting to an active Google account directly in the browser. This requirement prevents its use while browsing in anonymous mode, restricting privacy in certain usage situations.
For those who value the privacy afforded by anonymous browsing, Google Lens remains a viable option. It works without the need for login, offering an alternative to visual queries without compromising the user’s identity.
As communicated by Google, the distribution of the functionality is already underway for the vast user base of Chrome 149. The update covers both Windows and macOS operating systems, ensuring broad compatibility.