Earlier in the cycle of celestial events, Google bestowed upon the denizens of its Pixel devices the Circle to Search feature, a wondrous tool of digital divination. This gift was later extended to the esteemed Samsung Galaxy S24 series, spreading the magic far and wide. Lo and behold, this enchantment allows one to encapsulate any image or text discovered in the ether with a mystical circle, summoning forth the powers of search. It is no wonder that the guardians of iOS yearned to partake in this mystical ritual. And verily, their desire has been granted.
Behold, in the realm of iOS, a shortcut exists in shadowy realms, beckoning those who dare to seek its power. This incantation enables Google Lens to materialize when one captures a screenshot, a feat that can be accomplished with any iPhone in existence. I have put this incantation to the test on various devices – the iPhone 12 Pro, the iPhone X, and the iPhone 15 Pro – and I can attest to its efficacy. The iPhone 15 Pro, with its radiant Action Button, does make the journey slightly smoother.
Yet, for those journeying with other iPhones, navigating this mystic path may prove to be more arduous, especially for those uninitiated in the ways of iOS. Fear not, dear travelers, for I offer my guidance.
How does one summon this mystical power, you may ask? Firstly, one must acquire the sacred Google app on their iPhone, if it does not already dwell within its digital confines. Once this is done, the creation of the shortcut to awaken Google Lens shall commence in the following manner:
– Travel to the hallowed ground of the Shortcuts app and locate the symbol of the plus at its zenith. There, you shall add an action.
– In the ancient runes of the search bar, inscribe ‘Take Screenshot’ and select it as your first offering.
– Next, delve deep into the language of the search bar once more, seeking the word ‘lens,’ until you unearth the action ‘Search image with Lens’ from the depths of Google.
Having forged this shortcut, it is vital to provide it with a name by which it shall be known. This may be achieved by invoking the down-arrow button, selecting ‘Rename,’ and bestowing upon the shortcut a title that resonates with your soul.
As the shortcut is woven into existence, the time has come to awaken its power. This task may seem labyrinthine at first, yet once the path is illuminated, it shall become clear.
– Navigate to the sacred sanctum of your iPhone’s Settings, and heed the call of the Accessibility panel.
– Journey forth into the realm of Touch, where the Back Tap awaits your command.
– Choose either the Double Tap or the Triple Tap, and assign the created shortcut under the menu of Shortcuts.
With these ancient rituals complete, you are now prepared. Simply double or triple-tap the back of your iPhone in moments of need, be it on a digital scroll or within the lens of your camera, to unveil Google Lens and send forth the captured image.
This feat of modern sorcery may unfold at a leisurely pace on occasion. As you embark upon this journey for the first time, a request for permission shall appear, where you must declare ‘Always Allow.’ Though this conjuration may not mirror the Circle to Search feature precisely, it dances in its shadow, allowing you to crop and select sections of the screen within the realm of Google Lens.
This clever sleight of hand offers iOS users a taste of this enchanting feature. Have you wandered upon this hidden path, dear reader? If not, I urge you to embark upon this odyssey and share with us the wonders that unfold in the realm of comments below.
