Gboard tries a new feature called “Scan Text”; this is how it will function

Gboard, Google’s default keyboard for Android smartphones, is apparently exploring a new function. According to a post on the microblogging site X (formerly Twitter) made by Android specialist Mishaal Rahman, Gboard now includes a new function called “Scan Text” that allows users to scan and enter text from the real world using the device’s camera.

But it doesn’t seem to be widely available, and it can take a little while until all users get it.
How the Gboard Scan Text function works
Users will be able to access their phone’s camera viewfinder inside Gboard thanks to this capability. Users will see a button near the bottom of the camera as it opens, prompting them to “take a photo of words to scan.” In the process, Gboard will attempt to extract every word from a picture that will be highlighted in blue, along with editable tags on both ends for users to make changes.

It will be possible for users to “insert” what the software has extracted from the snapshot into notes, messages, and other formats. In addition, the function will provide a brief preview of the content it copied next to the input button. However, users must first allow the app to utilize their camera in order to use this function.
If customers want to take another image to copy additional text, the “Scan Text” option could still be available. It’s also crucial to understand that the new function on Gboard won’t “save” the picture to the device. The feature will just temporarily save data so that it may be copied and pasted before being discarded.
It was found that this feature—which resembles Google Lens quite a bit—was being developed in November 2023. A report published by Android Authority claims that the functionality was found in the 13.6 beta version of the Gboard.