Google Lens Update Now Opens Camera Viewfinder Directly, Report Says

Google Lens has reportedly been updated to streamline its interface, making it easier for users to access the camera. Previously, launching the app involved a two-step process: users would first see a preview screen and then tap on the viewfinder to activate the camera. With the new update, Google Lens now directly opens the camera upon launch, simplifying the process.

This change was noted in the Google for Android app version 16.0.7 and the latest iOS version, though it seems not to have been widely rolled out yet.

Under the old setup, the app displayed a split-screen interface with the top portion showing a translucent camera preview and the bottom showcasing recent images from the gallery. To use the camera, users had to tap the viewfinder before capturing an image for a web search.

The new update eliminates this extra step, allowing the camera to open instantly. Users can still access their gallery for image searches by tapping the gallery icon in the bottom right corner, though searching for gallery images now requires an additional step. This tweak aims to improve the user experience, particularly in situations where quick access to the camera is needed, such as capturing a fleeting image.