Google Lens now built into the Google Camera app for Pixel, Nexus and some Android One devices

If you own a Pixel, Pixel 2, Nexus or a select Android One handset, you no longer need to open Google Assistant to get to AI powered Google Lens. Instead, the visual search tool is now built-in to the Google Camera app, but again, only if you own one of the aforementioned phones. You will find Lens in the navigation menu, sandwiched between Stickers and Settings. 

While getting to Google Lens is now easier to open for owners of the affected models, the actual application is the same one that is found in Assistant. Other manufacturers like LG, Motorola and ...