I always ask audience members to share their favorite apps and tech tools, and often people are thrilled to share cool tools like iNaturalist and PlantNet.

“You can identify plants and bugs just by pointing your camera with the app!” they say. 

“Ooh and ahh,” the audience responds.

My response? “I love those apps, but you all have something in your pocket that  works almost as well!”

Yep, both Apple and Android phone cameras are equipped with extraordinary abilities to identify plants, bugs, locations, text and much more through the viewfinder.

Ok, I’m kinda lying. Although both Apple and Android cameras have the advanced identification tools, Google Lens runs circles around poor Apple. But since you can download Google Lens on any phone, the playing field is level.

Here’s what you can do with the Google Lens app or your Android phone (and sometimes Apple cameras).

Identify Plants and Animals

Point the camera at plants and animals to get pretty darn good scientific identification. It won’t just say “daisy.” It’ll say “Gazania linearis” and tell you where it’s found, how to care for it, where to buy it and more. 

Figure Out Where You Are

Standing in front of a stately building? Point your lens at it to discover details about the history, architecture and more. 

Translate Instantly

When you travel or read something in another language, hold your camera over the text. You’ll be able to translate right on your screen. 

Copy and Paste from the Real World

I’ve written about this before, but I am still surprised people don’t know about it. Your camera can capture text from signs, documents, business cards and more. Scan a printed document, a page from a book or a handwritten recipe. Paste the text into your notes, an email or anywhere you need it.

Shop Smarter

See something you like? Take a picture and Lens will find the exact item or similar products online. It works for clothes, furniture, tech gear and anything else you might want to buy.

Solve Problems

Your camera can help with homework or work projects. Point it at a math problem, a diagram or a science question. It will show steps, explanations or links to more information.

Bonus Features

• Scan QR codes and barcodes without opening another app (this breakthrough happened during Covid and resurrected the dying QR code)
• Connect to Wi-Fi by scanning the network label
• Get menu tips by pointing your camera at dishes in a restaurant menu