If you own a Samsung phone, you’ve probably come across Bixby by now. Bixby is Samsung’s virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence. The feature is voice-powered, similarly to Apple’s Siri or Windows’ Cortana, while Bixby Vision is similar to Google Lens.
Below are the most useful features offered by Bixby Vision.
1. Text Translation
The first of Bixby Vision’s features that may prove useful to you is its ability to translate text captured on camera. This feature allows you to hold your camera in front of text written in a foreign language, and can translate it to whatever language your phone is set to.
Be mindful that this feature is far from perfected at the moment. Slang terms are often incorrectly translated, and the app sometimes has difficulty translating large bodies of text.
And, of course, if any given text is written unclearly, Bixby Vision might struggle with that, too. But, for translating phrases, words, or signposts, this app works pretty well.
2. QR Code Scanner
Another useful feature offered by Bixby Vision is its ability to easily scan QR codes. Simply place any given code in front of your camera and Bixby Vision will identify it within seconds.
Unlike Bixby Vision’s translate option, the QR code scanning feature has a far higher success rate. As soon as the code is scanned, Bixby Vision will instantly provide you with the relevant link. This feature is also built in to your regular camera app, so you can scan QR codes without going directly to the Bixby Vision app.
3. Text Reader
Bixby Vision can also audibly read out highlighted text. Simply hold your phone over your chosen piece of text, and Bixby Vision will highlight it, as seen with the yellow squares shown above.
Bixby Vision will then read this text aloud, and it is actually pretty good at doing so. Of course, your text has to be clear, but the app can quickly identify and read any given line of clear text without hesitation. It is a truly nifty feature.
4. Discover
Bixby Vision’s Discover feature is great for finding real world objects online.
If you place an object in front of your camera using Bixby Vision, the app will identify it, and take you to Pinterest, where it will show you hundreds of other similar images. This can be useful if you’re looking for inspiration or creative ideas relating to a particular object.
5. Shopping
Ever seen something you really want, but don’t know the name of the brand or model? Bixby Vision can help with that, too. This feature can identify branded items, such as the JBL Boombox above, and supply you with multiple links to different websites where you can get your hands on it.
Keep in mind that, if you want a specific object, Bixby Vision won’t recognize it if it can’t see the brand, or the item isn’t unique enough to easily identify. So, if you’re looking at an unbranded item, you probably won’t get supplied links that are as specific.
Now Your Camera Can Do More than Just Take Photos
Bixby Vision can truly elevate the usefulness of your Samsung phone’s camera, allowing it to translate, identify, read, and more. You’ll find the Bixby Vision app automatically installed on your Samsung, so there’s no need to find it on the Google Play store. You can get straight to using its great features whenever you like!