Dining and Translation Features Added to Google Lens

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Category: Technology/Innovations

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. build into / bɪld ˈɪn tʊ / (phrasal) – to make something a permanent part of a system or device
    Example:

    Three security cameras were built into the cash machines.


  2. highlight / ˈhaɪˌlaɪt / (v) – to point out something
    Example:

    The manual highlights the device’s best features.


  3. split / splɪt / (v) – to divide something among two or more people
    Example:

    To save money, they split the cost of the taxi ride.


  4. instantly / ˈɪn stənt li / (adv) – right away
    Example:

    After taking photos, my phone instantly uploads the images to my computer.


  5. come in handy / kʌm ɪn ˈhæn di / (idiom) – to be useful or helpful
    Example:

    Extra batteries come in handy when my camera shuts down during trips.


Article

Read the text below.

Google has added dining and translation features to Lens, its image recognition software that can detect plants, animals, landmarks, music, and others.


The new features were announced in May 2019 at the Google I/O, an annual conference for developers held by the tech company. Since then, the features have been rolled out to both Android and iOS users of Google Lens.


Google Lens can be accessed using Google programs such as Assistant and Photos. On some Google Pixel phones, the technology is built into the camera.


With Google Lens’ new dining feature, users simply have to point their camera at a restaurant’s menu, and the program will automatically highlight the most popular dishes. Photos, information, and reviews about the dishes will also be displayed. Aside from these, the feature can help users calculate and split the bill after dining just by positioning the camera toward receipts.


The translation feature is activated in the same way. Users just need to point their camera at a foreign text, and the feature will recognize the language. The user’s device will instantly display the translation and even read it aloud.  According to Google, this feature can translate over 100 languages, so it will come in handy for people traveling in foreign and unfamiliar cities.


Speaking at the Google I/O conference, Aparna Chennapragada, the general manager of Google’s camera products, said that the features aim to turn Google Lens into an augmented reality (AR) browser. Through Google Lens, the company hopes to serve as a link between useful digital information and the physical world.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think Google Lens’ new features will be useful in your country? Why or why not?
• Aside from the dining and translation features, what other functions do you think can be added to improve Google Lens? Discuss.

Discussion B

• What do you think are the pros and cons of constantly relying on apps? Discuss.
• If you were to improve one app on your phone, what would it be? How would you improve it? Discuss.