Google Photos makes text in photos and screenshots searchable

Google Photos is getting the ability to search text in photos. In addition, users can convert text in photos into text that can be copied and pasted to a phone or desktop at the touch of a button.

Google Photos uses ocr to convert text contained in photos and screenshots into normal text. That will happen from this month, reports the company. Users can search photos for a word that appears in the text and then copy that text. The function can be used, among other things, to copy and enter complex WiFi passwords, Google says.

In addition, Google will turn on facial recognition in Europe, Engadget reports. The feature has been available in the US for four years, but the search giant turned off the people search feature in Europe to make sure it complies with privacy regulations. The feature works by looking at all the photos on the phone and creating a profile for each face. Users can label the people themselves, but by default users only see pictures of the face in the search interface. Users could turn on the feature via a VPN to the US and then use it in Europe.

Ocr in Google Photos: The app recognizes the text in an iPhone screenshot for adding a subscription via e-SIM