Seeing is believing, and this is not limited to living being with the wealth of vision. Algorithms meant to ape the human mind, including Google's, are getting increasingly better at identifying objects from images. Google Lens, a convenient tool which allows you to search and copy text from images, find products to buy, identify flora and fauna, and perform a variety of other image-based searches, is becoming more and more reliable - even works in real-time. As a result, many manufacturers are integrating Google Lens directly within their camera apps and this feature is extending to a bunch of Xiaomi devices.
Now, Google Lens finds itself a place within the default MIUI camera app on the POCO F1, Redmi Note 7, Redmi Note 7 Pro, and Redmi Y2. This feature can be accessed by tapping on the hamburger (3-line) button on the top right in the MIUI camera app. Once you're inside the Google Lens app, you can point at the object you wish to learn more about and Google Lens will identify potential items across the frame (using green circles) where you can tap and access the available information.
Google Lens uses AI to identify objects - although helping you shop online conveniently is one of its main objectives. Google Lens helps you buy furniture, books, movies, music albums, decorative items, automobiles, and basically anything that Google's AI can identify etc. but when it's not doing so, you can use it to scan documents and copy printed text, add contact details directly from business cards, and even find your way around at popular tourist spots. On most phones, it can be accessed from Google Assistant or Google Photos.
Another use of Google Lens on MIUI devices is to facilitate direct transactions via Mi Pay, Xiaomi's own peer-to-peer payments service launched in India at the Redmi Go event earlier this week. Since Mi Pay is deeply integrated within MIUI apps, the Google Lens feature in the camera can be used to scan the QR code of the other party to establish a connection for sending or requesting money.
The feature is currently limited to POCO F1, Redmi Note 7 series, and Redmi Y2 in MIUI 10 beta ROMs. It can be expected to be carried forward to the stable build after a certain degree of testing, especially on the meagerly-powered Redmi Y2. For most other devices, you can download the app and enjoy its features.