Google updates Pixel Magnifier with real-time text search [U]

Following version 2.0 at Made by Google last year, the latest update to Pixel Magnifier introduces live text search.

Update 6/12: Announced as part of the June 2025 Pixel Feature Drop, this update to Magnifier is now widely rolled out: “Search for text straight from the viewfinder without having to take a photo in order to quickly find items in a grocery store, or to find an address.”

In addition to live search, Google has also improved the “Back and Restore” experience: “Magnifier auto-downloads and restores backed-up data when you switch to a new device.”

Original 6/9: Instead of “Reset zoom” underneath the shutter button, there’s now a magnifying glass icon. The last big update in August introduced text search after you take a picture, as well as manual lens selection, setting a volume key action, picture-in-picture guidance, and selfie illumination.

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The search capability is now available in the viewfinder as you pan across a live scene. You type the term you’re looking for (be sure to press enter) in the real-world and then “Move camera to search.” When a match is found, the Magnifier app sends a haptic vibration and visually highlights where it is in front of you. Across from the flash button, a “blur” icon lets you “remove the darkened background.”

In concept, it’s similar to the latest Project Astra demo, but you have to manually enter a phrase instead of being able to conversationally describe what you’re looking for in a scene.

Version 2.0.0.745828117 of Pixel Magnifier with live text search is rolling out via the Play Store, but it’s not yet widely rolled out. The app is still not available for the Pixel Fold (or Tablet).