Google Lens: Thanks to Google’s new AI-powered feature in Google Lens, you can troubleshoot and repair gadgets all by yourself, just by asking your phone! This feature is powered by something called Gemini AI, and it’s rolling out to Android and iOS devices. It’s an amazing tool, especially for those who love DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects.
What is Google Lens?
If you’ve never heard of Google Lens, it’s a special tool that uses your phone’s camera to recognize things in the world around you. You can point your phone at a plant, and it’ll tell you what kind of plant it is. You can point it at text in another language, and it’ll translate it for you. Now, Google Lens has gotten even smarter with a new feature powered by Gemini AI.
What is Gemini AI?
Before we jump into what the new feature does, let’s talk about Gemini AI. It’s a fancy way of saying that this technology can understand both pictures and words at the same time. It’s like having a super-smart assistant that can watch a video, understand what’s happening, and give you the right answers without you having to explain much.
Meet “Ask with Video”
Earlier this year, Google showed off something new called “Ask with Video”. This lets you take a video of something that’s broken, ask Google a question about it, and get instant help with how to fix it. Imagine you have an old record player that isn’t working. Instead of spending hours searching through the web for the right solution, you can take a quick video, ask what’s wrong, and Gemini AI will give you an answer in seconds.
This is great because you don’t have to sift through complicated forums or websites to find the answer anymore. Google Lens, combined with Gemini AI, does all that hard work for you.
How Does It Work?
Let’s say your TV isn’t turning on. Here’s how you can use Google Lens with the new Ask with Video feature to fix it:
- Open Google Lens: You can open the app on your Android phone or, if you have an iPhone, access it from the Google app.
- Take a Video: Instead of typing out your problem, just take a short video showing what’s wrong with your TV. Maybe you’ll show the power button not working or the screen being blank.
- Ask a Question: While the video is playing, you can ask a question, like “Why isn’t my TV turning on?”
- Gemini AI Analyzes: This is where the magic happens. Gemini AI looks at each frame of your video and compares it with its vast knowledge base. Within seconds, it gives you an answer along with some helpful links if you want more details.
- Get the Fix: The AI will provide solutions based on the problem you showed in the video. It could tell you to check the power cables or suggest a fix for the specific model of your TV.
This makes it easy to solve problems that might otherwise be tricky, especially if you don’t know much about gadgets.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
This new feature is a game-changer for a lot of people. Here’s why:
- No More Guessing: Sometimes, it’s hard to figure out what’s wrong with a gadget just by searching online. The results might not match exactly what you need. With Ask with Video, Google Lens analyzes your specific problem, so you get answers that are tailored to your situation.
- Fast and Easy: Instead of spending hours scrolling through forums, you get the right answer in just seconds. This makes troubleshooting much faster and easier.
- Perfect for DIY Enthusiasts: If you like fixing things yourself, this feature is perfect. You can troubleshoot your gadgets without needing to take them to a repair shop.
Is It Available for Everyone?
Yes! The Ask with Video feature is rolling out to Android and iOS devices. If you have an Android phone, you can use Google Lens by downloading the app. For iPhones, there’s no separate app for Google Lens, but you can access it through the Google app on your phone.
Google isn’t the only one stepping up its game, though. Apple is working on a similar feature called Visual Intelligence for iPhones. This will also let users troubleshoot gadgets by holding the camera capture button and asking questions.
When Should You Use It?
Here are a few scenarios where Google Lens Ask with Video can come in handy:
- Your Laptop Won’t Start: Take a video, ask what the problem could be, and see if the AI gives you a fix.
- Your Microwave Stops Working: Film the microwave’s display or buttons, and ask how to fix it.
- A Toy is Broken: Maybe your favorite gadget or toy has a missing piece. You can take a video and get help finding a replacement part.
More Than Just Gadgets
While this feature is especially helpful for fixing gadgets, it’s not limited to just that. You could use Google Lens to solve other problems, like finding out how to clean a stain on your shirt or getting step-by-step instructions on building something.
The Future of Fixing Things
With tools like Gemini AI and Google Lens, we’re moving into a future where fixing things on your own is easier than ever. You don’t need to be an expert. All you need is your phone, and you can get professional-level help with just a video.
As this technology continues to grow, we’ll likely see even more advanced features that make our lives simpler. Maybe one day, your phone will be able to fix things for you—who knows?
Google’s Ask with Video feature, powered by Gemini AI, is a step towards making life easier for everyone, especially those of us who aren’t gadget experts. Whether your record player isn’t working, your TV won’t turn on, or your gaming console is acting up, this tool could be your new best friend for solving problems.
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