Google snuck an augmented reality ad onto the back of the Pixel 4 box

Augmented reality has the potential to change how we see the world — or, I guess if you want to get technical, the way companies show ads to us.

The latest example of this breakthrough is courtesy of Google's Pixel 4. The new smartphone, released Oct. 24, comes complete with a Google Lens-enabled AR surprise. As Android Police reports, when users point their new phone at the back of the Pixel 4 box, they are treated with an ad for Google's Instagram account.

"Welcome to #teampixel," reads the animated ad. "Tap to join the global community @googlepixel."

According to Android Police, tapping any of the photos displayed in the AR slideshow will take you to the Google Pixel Instagram account.

This, of course, is not the only use of Google Lens or AR. As Mashable reported this May, Lens was scheduled for updates meant to help confused restaurant goers determine what other people like to eat. It also allowed you to point your phone at a meal receipt and have it calculate the tip — an invention that puts the calculator to shame.

Truly, we live in amazing times.