Is this a bug I should be worried about?

This post is part of a series dedicated to mobile devices. The BIG idea is learning new ways to make the most out of the phones we carry. All the recommendations will be free.

Scenario

There are times when I see something I want to quickly identify but I don't have the time to google a million similar images of the thing. I wish there was a way my phone could identify things through the camera.

Solution

Google Lens! It uses the power of your camera to help identify whatever it is pointed at. I have used it to identify plants, bugs, rashes on my kids, and more. While it isn't perfect, it does a pretty good job.

Getting Started

Update the Google app on your device.

You might need to search Google on your device to see if there is an update. My iPad didn't show an update was available until I searched for the specific app.

You can also visit the Lens page and install the app through the QR codes.

Next Steps

I opened Google on my iPad.

Lens can be accessed by clicking the small camera icon on the far right.

The Google widget on my home screen has the Lens to the far right. Click to access.

Click the camera to begin.

You could also add an existing image that is already on your camera roll, it will perform the same image search as clicking the icon.

Whatever is within the target area will be searched.

The results will appear at the bottom. You can now identify whatever you just took a picture of.

Do Now

Go find a bug or plant and test it out. It should also help with math problems.

Comments

Who is emailing me? The Blue Man Group??? (Add an image to your Google account.)

WHY It is always nice to put a face with a name. Sometimes we need a tiny little reminder of what someone looks like because we don't see them very often. Follow these steps to add/change the image associated with your Google account. HOW Open your email. Click your image. It might just be a blue circle if you have not added something already. Click Change . Find an image you like. Your amazing new image will appear. From now on everyone can put a name to a face!

Embed an audio clip into a Google Form!

Are you looking to embed an audio clip into a Google Form? Below you will find a list of things you will need ready and a video to walk you through the process. Needed: A single PowerPoint slide. Movie Maker. (Already on your computer.) A Google Form. Watch this video for the steps to follow.

Setting Your Gmail Away Message

You will be away from your classroom for a bit and probably won't be checking email on a regular basis. Wouldn't it be nice to have Gmail respond for you alerting whoever is emailing that you out enjoying your summer? Setting up your vacation responder is pretty simple, a few clicks and a save. Start by clicking the gear icon in the upper right corner of Gmail. Scroll way down the page. Look for the vacation responder section. 1. Click to turn the responder on. 2. Add your first and last days away. We would recommend adding something short and to the point for the subject line. 3. Whatever you add here will be the body of the email you are automatically sending out. It would be a good idea to tell them when you are planning on returning and who to call if they need immediate assistance. We also recommend not checking the two buttons at the bottom. 4. Save changes . That is it. Now your inbox will automatically alert people that you are not in your...

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