Skip to main content

Pinterest adds visual search tool to iOS app – can identify a billion objects

If you’ve ever been browsing Pinterest and spotted a lamp you really like in a shot of someone’s living room, or a bag you love in a street shot, the iOS app now has a tool designed to help. Just tap the search tool in the corner of the photo, highlight the object of interest and the app will search its product database to try to identify it … 

Pinterest says that it has so far indexed a billion of the 50 billion images posted to the service, and in time aims to index them all.

While the new feature will be useful to users, it’s of course also designed to help the company monetise the platform. It added Buyable Pins back in June, together with curated shopping lists for various product categories. The company also updated the app for iOS 9 in September, adding Spotlight search and support for 3D Touch.

Pinterest is a free download from iTunes, and the new version will be rolling out later today.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

  1. demianturner - 9 years ago

    Maybe screenshot as it is not obvious at all how to access the feature?

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


Ben Lovejoy's favorite gear

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications