Tech-driven world, the ability to troubleshoot and repair gadgets on your own is becoming more vital. Whether it’s a broken phone, a malfunctioning camera, or a laptop issue, being able to diagnose and potentially fix it at home saves time and money. With this in mind, Google has introduced an innovative update to its widely-used Google Lens feature, empowering DIY enthusiasts to troubleshoot and repair gadgets themselves. This new update, known as “Google Lens Ask with Video,” is powered by multi-modal generative AI, specifically Google’s custom Gemini model, and is now rolling out to both Android and iOS devices.
This article explores how Google Lens’ new AI-powered video search functionality is revolutionizing gadget repairs for users around the world, delving into its capabilities, technological infrastructure, and its impact on DIY enthusiasts and everyday consumers alike.
The Evolution of Google Lens
Google Lens was first launched in 2017 as a tool to help users understand the world around them using their smartphone cameras. By pointing your phone at an object, Google Lens could identify it, offer product information, provide translations, and even allow text scanning. Over the years, Lens has evolved into a comprehensive tool for visual search, expanding its functionalities to identify more objects, solve math problems, and assist with shopping.
However, its latest update at Google I/O 2024 takes its capabilities to a whole new level, introducing the world to its most advanced form yet: Google Lens Ask with Video.
What is “Ask with Video”?
“Ask with Video” is a game-changing feature powered by generative AI that allows users to submit video-based queries to Google Lens. This means you can point your phone’s camera at a gadget or a specific part of a device, record a video, and ask Google what might be wrong with it or how to fix it. The system is designed to offer real-time insights using Google’s advanced AI models.
This capability has been specifically designed to help with diagnosing issues in complex devices—such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, or appliances—without needing to manually search for troubleshooting guides. For DIY repair enthusiasts, this marks a major step forward in simplifying gadget repairs.
How It Works
The core of this functionality lies in Google’s custom Gemini model, which runs on the cloud and can analyze video data frame-by-frame. When a user submits a video with a query—like asking why a smartphone’s screen won’t turn on—the Gemini model processes the video to recognize the components in question, identify possible issues, and then provides relevant search results based on its analysis.
Within seconds, users receive an AI-generated overview of the potential issue and step-by-step links to further details or solutions. This vastly reduces the time needed to find the correct troubleshooting information. What might have taken several minutes or even hours to find manually is now presented within moments.
Why It Matters
For those who enjoy repairing their gadgets at home, this functionality eliminates the guesswork involved in diagnosing issues. Instead of spending hours scouring the internet for guides or videos that might match their particular problem, users can now get direct, personalized advice based on their own devices.
This feature significantly lowers the barrier for DIY repair work, making it more accessible to users who might not have in-depth technical knowledge but still want to attempt to fix a broken gadget.
Behind the Technology: The Power of Google Gemini
At the heart of this innovation is Google Gemini, the multi-modal AI model that powers the “Ask with Video” feature. Gemini is a versatile AI model capable of processing and interpreting different forms of media, including text, images, audio, and now, video. Here’s how Google uses Gemini to deliver this powerful functionality:
1. Frame-by-Frame Video Analysis
The custom Gemini model analyzes the submitted video, breaking it down into individual frames. Each frame is examined to detect relevant visual information—like the brand and model of the gadget, the condition of its components, and any visible issues like cracks, dents, or error messages on screens.
2. Contextual Understanding
Gemini’s deep visual understanding enables it to go beyond basic object detection. It can interpret the context of the video, recognize patterns, and understand technical scenarios. For instance, it can differentiate between a cracked screen and a software glitch, or detect if a laptop is failing to power on due to hardware malfunction versus a simple battery issue.
3. Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Gemini combines its visual understanding with Natural Language Processing to comprehend the user’s query. This means it doesn’t just recognize what the user is asking, but it also links the visual data with relevant resources from Google Search to provide the most accurate and helpful information.
4. Cloud Computing for Speed and Scale
The entire process takes place in the cloud, which means that the heavy computational work needed to analyze the video and generate results is done remotely. This ensures the system can handle vast amounts of data quickly, delivering results to users in seconds without burdening their device’s processing power.
Real-World Applications of Google Lens Ask with Video
The potential use cases for “Ask with Video” are vast, but here are a few scenarios where this feature can be incredibly helpful:
1. Smartphone Repairs
Imagine your smartphone suddenly stops charging, and you don’t know if the issue is with the charging port, cable, or the battery itself. By using Google Lens, you can record a short video of the charging process, asking what might be wrong. The system will analyze the video and provide recommendations, such as checking for debris in the charging port or suggesting it may be time to replace the battery.
2. Laptop Troubleshooting
Suppose your laptop screen flickers when you open it to a certain angle. Instead of searching forums or taking the laptop to a repair shop, you can submit a video to Google Lens. The AI will identify the potential problem—whether it’s a loose cable or a hinge issue—and give you a guide on how to fix it.
3. Appliance Fixes
Whether it’s a washing machine that isn’t draining or a refrigerator that isn’t cooling, users can record a video of the malfunction and ask Google for help. The system can identify the specific appliance model and suggest the most common fixes or highlight parts that may need replacing.
Comparison: Google Lens vs. Apple’s Visual Intelligence
While Google is at the forefront with “Ask with Video,” it’s not alone in the AI-powered troubleshooting space. Apple is also rolling out a similar feature called Visual Intelligence for iPhones. This feature allows users to ask questions about an object or scene by holding the camera capture button.
Although Apple’s system is still in its early stages, Google’s Gemini-powered model provides more advanced multi-modal functionality. The key difference lies in Google’s deep video processing capabilities, which Apple’s Visual Intelligence has yet to match. As Google Lens allows for frame-by-frame video analysis, it provides more specific and actionable insights for gadget repairs.
Impact on DIY Enthusiasts and Repair Culture
The DIY repair community has long advocated for tools and resources that make it easier for individuals to repair their gadgets instead of throwing them away. The integration of AI-powered tools like Google Lens’ “Ask with Video” brings this vision closer to reality.
1. Reduced Reliance on Professionals
While there will always be a place for professional repair services, this new functionality allows more users to attempt repairs on their own, especially for minor issues. The ability to access tailored troubleshooting advice instantly reduces the need to pay for diagnostics or minor fixes.
2. Eco-Friendly Gadget Maintenance
By enabling more people to fix their gadgets at home, this tool could reduce the number of electronics that end up in landfills. Instead of discarding a device at the first sign of trouble, users may be more inclined to attempt a repair first, contributing to more sustainable tech use.
3. Skill Building for Amateurs
For those interested in learning more about gadget repairs, this feature serves as a valuable educational tool. As users follow step-by-step guides provided by Google Lens, they can gradually build their technical skills, making future repairs easier and less intimidating.
Conclusion
Google Lens powered by Gemini AI and its “Ask with Video” feature is a major breakthrough in the world of DIY gadget repairs. By leveraging the power of multi-modal AI, this feature brings advanced troubleshooting capabilities directly to users’ smartphones, empowering them to take control of their device maintenance and repairs.
For DIY enthusiasts, this is a game-changer, offering fast, accurate advice for fixing everything from smartphones to home appliances. As AI technology continues to evolve, it’s likely we’ll see even more innovative tools emerge that help consumers troubleshoot, repair, and maintain their gadgets, fostering a more self-sufficient and sustainable approach to tech use.
