Google Lens Convert Filter
Google App 9.72.1 Update
Google Lens?
Google Lens in an app that allows you to use your phone’s camera to explore the world around you. Simply point your camera at an object and let Google Lens do the searching for you.
Here are some of the current features in the app and their use cases:
✏️ Text — Translate foreign words, add a contact by scanning a business card, add an event to your calendar, or just scan to copy text.
🛍 Objects — Scan objects and see where you can buy it online. Google Lens will also offer similar products if it cant find the exact item.
🏛 Places — Scan buildings to see their ratings, hours, and more information.
🌿 Plants and Animals — Scan the the natural world to discover what type of flowers your neighbour is growing, or the breed of dog you meet at the dog park.
New Features, who dis?
The recent Google App 9.72.1 beta release hinted at a number of new filters for Google Lens that will bring some structure to their existing feature set.
Filters for Google Lens
They are testing 5 different scanning modes that will allow you to filter the type of information
These UI Lens filters include:
- Translate
- Convert
- Text
- Search
- Dining
- Shopping
This beta release is just a sneak peak. The app unfortunately crashes when trying to use the new Lens UI.
Fortunately, Product Designer Caitlin O’Bunny has created a design that will help us imagine the future of this feature.
Convert Filter
I think we have all been in a situation where we have wondered…
What is this price in USD?
What is 125ml in Cups?
What is 32°F into °C?
It looks like the new Convert Lens UI will solve these basic yet common questions. For now the app only allows you to see a preview of the lens but the designs below lets us imagine how this lens could be used as a currency converter.
Convert Currency
Shopping abroad can be difficult when you’re not exactly sure what the price is in your home currency. The convert filter would use your location services to detect the local currency. Then when you scan a price, the app will then show you the converted price in your home currency.
Adjust Price
Although their location and number detection is usually accurate, Google Lens could give you the ability to adjust the price or currency.
This feature would be especially useful for backpackers who are on a tight budget.
Set Home Currency
Of course in order for Google Lens to convert these prices you will have to set your home location and currency.
The app already has a Travel Preferences screen where you could easily do this.
Also notice the Time back home feature that already exists! Travelling across time zones can make communication with those back home difficult. Converting timezones would also be a helpful feature.
Google App Home
Once the app recognizes that you are travelling, the home page could show both the converted currency and the time back home for easy access.
🤷♀️ Can’t find this Convert Filter?
That’s because it doesn’t exist within the current Google App 9.72.1 update!
Hey 👋 I’m Caitlin O’Bunny
And I love using my Product Design skills and sense of humour to write articles on design interventions I have created.
Wish this Convert Filter was real? Give this article a clap! 👏
💖 Thank you for reading
Especially if you’re from Google Developers or Google Design
Made with love
Caitlin O’Bunny
