This new Google Lens feature saves you time while shopping IRL – here's how

If you’ve ever left a store empty-handed because you weren’t sure if a product was reliable or if you’re getting a good deal, a new feature from Google Lens will help your in-store shopping experience. 

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Google says people use Lens for nearly 20 billion visual searches every month, and 20% of those searches are related to shopping. Now, Google is updating Lens to be more useful for real-world shopping. 

Here’s how the new feature works. When you snap a photo of a product with Lens in the Google app for iOS or Android, you’ll see more information about it, prices from other stores to see how competitive your store is, and shopper reviews to help with your buying decision.

Most people read reviews when shopping online these days, but trying to find reviews online while you’re shopping in-store can be tricky. Now, with Lens, finding real feedback gets a lot easier.

For now, you can use Lens to find out more about beauty products, toys, or electronics at stores that share their local inventory with Google. Google will add support for more products over time. You will need to share your location with Google to use the feature. 

The company explained that this update comes thanks to major advancements in Google’s AI image recognition technology. At the heart of the feature is Google’s Shopping Graph, a compilation of more than 45 billion product listings and in-stock inventory data.

Also: Traveling for the holidays? Google Maps uncovers ‘hidden gems’ to add to your route now

Just a week ago, Google introduced new shopping features for Google Maps — such as the ability to find “hidden gems” or interesting stops that travelers would have otherwise missed while road-tripping and the option to find stores that have a specific product in stock. 

Google says the new Lens features are available today.