Find out more about the new feature that lets users take photos and find similar items on Pinterest.
Pinterest is both a blessing and a curse. On the one (manicured) hand, it offers an abundance of unparalleled style inspo. On the other, it's rare you'll ever acquire said glittery tiara or perfectly distressed denim in a world outside your screen, which prompts a whole cycle of FOMO. This is no longer the case thanks to the photo-sharing platform's Lens release.
The Verge likens the new tool to Shazam, the app widely known for detecting and identifying songs on the go. Here, though, Lens allows you to point your camera within the app at an IRL object, and it'll provide you URL options on Pinterest where you might be able to find it. Still in beta and rolling out on iPhone and Android in the coming weeks, it works best for now on home decor, clothing, and food.
You can window shop within the app as well with Instant Ideas. Available on iPhone, Android and web, on each pin, click on a circle to lead you to related pins for ideas that might pair well with that honey mustard vinaigrette, or a faux fur throw to drape over that desk chair. This elevates their Shop The Look function, which tags certain retailers where you can purchase the item featured in the pin.
These updates are designed to take "that ah-ha moment you get when you come across a great idea, and [turn] it into more ideas — whether you’re on Pinterest or out exploring the world around you," according to a company statement.