Windows 11 Snipping Tool Unveils Innovative Visual Search Feature
With the recent update to the Snipping Tool in Windows 11, users can now enjoy the new Visual Search capability, a feature reminiscent of Google Lens and aligned with the recently launched experimental Google app for Windows. This functionality, available in version 11.2508.29.0, is gradually being rolled out to all users.
Comparative Insights: Snipping Tool vs. Google Lens
Windows Latest conducted a thorough comparison of Microsoft’s Bing Visual Search feature within the Snipping Tool, initiated via the Win + Shift + S keyboard shortcut. This new addition allows users to interactively select screen segments and immediately upload them for analysis on Bing’s Visual Search.
Interestingly, Microsoft’s decision to incorporate a Bing-driven Visual Search tool came shortly after Google introduced its search app for Windows in the U. S.This app provides seamless integration with Google Lens, allowing users to translate content displayed on their desktop directly.
Enhanced Functionality: The Evolution of Snipping Tool
As a long-time user of the Snipping Tool, I frequently capture screenshots while browsing a vast range of topics daily. The convenience of using the Win + Shift + S shortcut has become second nature for me. Originally, I was impressed when the app incorporated screen recording; however, the addition of OCR text extraction elevated its utility to new heights and my shortcut usage significantly.
On the Android platform, users have enjoyed similar features for years, thanks to Google Lens. The app not only enables voice search but also object recognition and translation functions, enhancing user experience significantly.
Google’s New App Brings Lens to Desktop
In a surprising move last September, Google launched a new Windows application, part of their Google Labs experimentation, known as the Google app for Windows. This innovative tool includes built-in Google Search and Google Lens functionalities, allowing for direct visual searches and translations through a user-friendly interface.
This process mimics the functionality of Circle to Search found on Android devices—users can click the Google Lens icon to select a specific area for searching or translation tasks.
New Visual Search and Features in Snipping Tool
October developments brought a host of exciting updates to the Snipping Tool, including live annotation, a color picker, and of course, Visual Search. Utilizing the Visual Search feature is straightforward: press Win + Shift + S, select your target area, and then click on the Visual Search button.
While the Bing Visual Search performs adequately, the Google app’s Lens offers a superior experience, primarily because it operates within a floating widget, eliminating the need to switch to a new browser tab.
The Visual Search in Snipping Tool redirects users to a new browser tab, temporarily obscuring the original screen. For comparative insights, you can observe how the Google Lens feature within the app efficiently manages searches without this drawback.
Comparative Performance: AI and Translation
While both applications offer AI capabilities for querying images, the Bing Visual Search’s design necessitates browser navigation, as opposed to the integrated flow of the Google app. This disjointed process is particularly noticeable while attempting translations, where Bing often requires stepping outside of the Snipping Tool into the Edge browser—a move that can impede workflow.
When performing a translation task with Bing, I encountered inaccuracies that compromised the text’s integrity. Conversely, Google’s tool provided precise translations directly on the same browser tab, showcasing its efficiency.
Conclusion: Snipping Tool’s Comprehensive Utility
Despite evident advantages of Google Lens over Bing Visual Search, the Snipping Tool’s new capabilities enhance its overall offering, making it a well-rounded solution for users seeking visual search functionalities. Other recent feature additions, such as a color picker and improved sharing options, further solidify its status as a versatile tool.
With notable enhancements, including live annotations and intuitive screenshot management options, the Snipping Tool has evolved into a comprehensive tool for power users. It reflects Microsoft’s commitment to enriching user experiences with first-party applications.
While Snipping Tool serves as a viable alternative to Google Lens, especially in its developing phase across platforms, there is ample hope that Microsoft will continue to build upon the features of its Windows applications, further empowering users.
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