Social network giant improves visual search engine

Pinterest is giving its image-based search engine an upgrade.



Pinterest introduced Lens in February. Since then, users have been pointing their mobile cameras at objects they see out in the real world, from apparel and accessories to decor, and Lens serves up similar styles or related information on their mobile device’s screen.



A series of upgrades is taking the four-month-old tool to the next level. For example, Pinterest has doubled the number of categories Lens is trained to recognize. “We’ve also upped its style game, so Lens can recognize and recommend outfit ideas for a much wider variety shoes, shirts, hats and other styles you’re wanting to wear,” said Anton Herasymenko, Pinterest designer, explained in the company’s blog.



Other new features include an “instant ideas” button. As Lens serves up an idea, users can tap a small white circle found in the corner of each “pin” to see more possibilities inspired by that original idea. Thumbnails of recent photos will also be embedded in the lower right corner of Lens’ screen, making it easier to access recent photos.



These updates coincide with the service’s food features. Introduced last month, this option enables Lens users to point their smartphone cameras at individual ingredients or entire dishes. The goal — to help Pinners purchase the exact merchandise “and recreate your favorite restaurant meals at home,” Herasymenko added.