Give your iPhone computational eyes

Visual Intelligence might be a game changer

Author

Leander Kahney
December 10, 2024

In partnership with

I’ve been playing around with the new Visual Intelligence feature in iOS 18.2, and it’s pretty great.

The other day, I passed a street flyer on a utility pole for an event here in San Francisco.

I grabbed my iPhone and pointed it at the flyer. Not only did it recognize the details of the event, it added them to my calendar. I was mighty impressed.

Later, my mom had some mysterious little grubs crawling around by her kitchen sink. Revolted, she called me over to help deal with them. Again, I grabbed my iPhone and used Visual Intelligence to try and identify them.

These results here were less clear. It suggested several creepy-crawly alternatives with no clear winner. Still, searching the web via an image rather than text is a killer feature, and one I’m sure I’ll use more frequently as I get accustomed to it.

Visual Intelligence is one of the best new Apple Intelligence features so far. Here’s how to use it.

Also in today’s newsletter:

  • What do you think was the top tech innovation in 2024 according to Popular Science magazine? ChatGPT? Telsa’s Robotaxi? Silly humans. The answer may be a surprise, maybe not.

  • Years ago, I downloaded huge archives of my favorite comic book as a kid: 2000AD. Unfortunately, all comic-book apps I tried sucked until I tested out BookFusion, which displayed the archives brilliantly on my iPad. BookFusion is rated as one of the best ebook apps, and we have a special discount just for Cult of Mac readers.

  • Remember Apple Music Radio? I had high hopes for it when it launched, but I’ve got to admit, I haven't become a regular listener. There are three new stations that I don’t think will change that, but YMMV.

  • We hands-on review a new iPhone case with a built-in e-ink display. There’s lots to like, but one annoying drawback.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

A message from AI Tool Report

Learn AI in 5 Minutes a Day

AI Tool Report is one of the fastest-growing and most respected newsletters in the world, with over 550,000 readers from companies like OpenAI, Nvidia, Meta, Microsoft, and more.

Our research team spends hundreds of hours a week summarizing the latest news, and finding you the best opportunities to save time and earn more using AI.

Look things up with your camera using Visual Intelligence on iPhone 16

A new AI feature in iOS 18.2, Visual Intelligence gives iPhone 16 users a quick, easy way to find information on an object in the real world.

Vision Pro crowned as a top innovation in 2024

The science and technology publication "Popular Science" calls Vision Pro innovation of the year as well as gadget of the year.

Wait for iOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2 goes on and on

Monday isn’t the iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2 release date, as had been hoped. Here’s why the wait could go on until Dec. 12.

A message from BookFusion

BookFusion raises bar for iOS ebook apps with enhanced annotations, Apple Pencil support and more

Searching for the best ebook app for iOS devices? BookFusion offers features like enhanced annotations, Apple Pencil support and more.

Groove to a trio of new Apple Music Radio stations

Three new Apple Music Radio stations will greatly expand live programming -- Apple Música Uno, Apple Music Club and Apple Music Chill.

Rode's colorful new Wireless Go III mic system expands recording range

Rode's upgraded Wireless Go III microphone system expands recording range, adds 32-bit onboard recording and comes in 14 colors.

A message from Cult of Mac Deals team

One of Microsoft's best Windows apps just went on sale

Need an easy-to-use tool for transforming complex data into professional-quality diagrams anyone can understand? Get Microsoft Visio 2024.

Price drop: Block annoying internet ads and trackers for life

Shield yourself from the never-ending stream of banner ads, pop-ups and intrusive videos. Get a lifetime AdGuard sub for one low price.

iPhone case with built-in screen offers easy personalization [Review]

Personalize your iPhone with the Tizag Digital Canvas Case. Swap in any image you like while also protecting your device on the go.

Affordable new ChatGPT smart glasses challenge Meta’s Ray-Bans

The new Solos AirGo Vision smart glasses enter the market at the same price point as Meta's Ray-Bans, at about $300.

Today in Apple history: Apple fixes 'life-threatening' Maps glitch

On December 10, 2012, Cupertino corrected an Apple Maps glitch that caused motorists in Australia to get stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Tweets of the day

Wallpaper of the day

One more thing ...

❝

Simple can be harder than complex. Exceptional people can turn chaos into clarity. It’s their superpower.

— Steve Jobs, 2011.

Today’s poll

Is an Apple Watch inappropriate for weddings?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Results from yesterday’s poll: Who here is a fan of "Severance"?

Best reader comments

Subscribe to The Weekender — Get the week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.

Reply

or to participate.