Google: Search, Lens, and AI Assistance

Google is a tools app by Google LLC that delivers search, discovery, and AI-powered assistance directly on your Android device. It combines text, voice, camera, and on-screen search into one place so you can find answers, explore topics, and get help with everyday tasks without switching between multiple apps.

The app brings together a range of search experiences, including AI Mode for follow-up questions, Lens for identifying what you see through your camera, and Circle to Search on supported devices. You can hum a tune to find a song, catch up on personalized news in Discover, or use the search widget from your home screen or lock screen. Real-time translation, homework help, and reverse image search are also part of the package.

Because the app is free and ad-supported, it relies on a broad set of permissions to power these features. Location, camera, microphone, contacts, calendar, SMS, phone, and storage access are all listed, which makes privacy and permission management an important part of using it. The app is rated for Everyone, requires Android 6.0 or newer, and the download is 156 MB. It has been available since 2010 and is updated regularly.

Key features

• AI Mode provides AI-powered responses to complex questions, with follow-up prompts and links to explore further.
• Circle to Search lets you search what is on your screen by circling, highlighting, or tapping content without leaving the current app, on select premium Android phones.
• Google Lens uses your camera to identify objects, translate text in real time across over 100 languages, find similar products, and solve math problems with step-by-step guides.
• Search Live supports a live, real-time conversation using voice and camera to get answers and on-screen web links.
• Hum to Search finds a song when you hum the tune, without needing lyrics or an artist name.
• Discover delivers personalized news, articles, and videos based on your interests.
• The Google Search widget offers quick access from your home screen or lock screen, with shortcuts to AI Mode and Lens.
• Searches are protected by encrypting the connection between your device and Google, and recent search history can be deleted from your account with one tap.

How to install

1. Tap the download button on this page to get the APK file. The download is 156 MB, so make sure you have enough free space.
2. When Android asks, allow your browser or file manager to install apps. This is the 'Install unknown apps' setting and is needed because the file comes from outside a store.
3. Open the downloaded APK file from your notifications or your file manager's Downloads folder.
4. Tap Install and wait while the app is set up. Your device must be running Android 6.0 or newer.
5. Once installation finishes, tap Open to launch the app and start using it.

Latest changes

The latest update introduces Nano Banana, letting you transform your photos in Lens or create images in AI Mode, available in select languages and locations. AI Mode is now accessible from the app home screen, providing AI-powered responses for your toughest questions. You can also use Circle to Search to look up what you see on your phone without switching apps, available on select premium Android smartphones in some languages and locations.

This app is for Android users who want a single, free tool for searching the web, getting AI-assisted answers, translating signs and menus with the camera, identifying songs by humming, or keeping up with personalized news. It suits people who are comfortable granting broad permissions in exchange for convenience, and who want features like Lens and AI Mode on a device running Android 6.0 or newer.

Review the permissions the app requests and turn off any that you do not need, such as location or microphone access, in Android's settings. You can delete your recent search history from your account by tapping your profile picture. If you are concerned about ads, note that the app is ad-supported and there is no paid version listed. Keep the app updated to receive the latest features and fixes.

Google is a free, ad-supported tools app that brings search, AI Mode, Lens, and Discover together on Android 6.0 and above. It is a practical choice if you value convenience and are comfortable with its extensive permission list, but you should review those permissions carefully to match your privacy preferences.