A new update to the Google Camera app is making its way out in the wild today, bringing integration with Google Lens to Google Nexus and Pixel phones. The updated version is 5.2.025 for those keeping score at home.
At Google I/O, the Mountain View company indicated that devices that were compatible with the Google camera app would be getting Google Lens integration in the app. To date, that has rolled out for several manufactures like Sony, Motorola and OnePlus but not on Google’s own devices.
Functionally, the integration of Lens into the Google Camera app is no different than using Google Assistant or the standalone Lens app. When you open up the app and use the hamburger menu in the upper left corner, you will see a Lens option among the other types of photos you can take with the app.
Google Lens Option in Google Camera
Tapping on Lens opens up the Assistant drawer at the bottom and it begins actively searching for objects it can identify or, as always, you can tap on an object to get more information about it.
Google Lens Activated in Google Camera
It is not clear as to why it took Google this long to get Lens integration into the camera app on their own devices. As a general rule, they usually roll out new features to their own devices first. Regardless, it is there now and it appears to be working on all Google devices that are compatible with the app. This includes the Nexus lineup of devices as well as the more contemporary Pixel devices.
The update has just been released so it could take a few days before you see the update land on your Nexus or Pixel phone. You’ll know you have it when you see the Lens option in the menu.
