Google Revolutionizes Android with Circle to Search
Google has been on a quest to refine smartphone search experiences since the early days of Android, and their latest venture introduces a rather artistic touch – drawing circles. The feature, aptly named Circle to Search, empowers users to sketch circles around information on their device screens, initiating a search for the highlighted item. Beyond circles, this functionality also extends to highlighting text and scribbling on items, offering a diverse range of input options.
To kickstart Circle to Search, users need to long-press the home button or the navigation bar (for gesture users) to activate the feature before gracefully circling items of interest. Google pitches this as a streamlined alternative to the tedious process of switching between apps, like taking screenshots and then employing Google Lens.
Under the hood, Circle to Search leverages Google’s AI-powered multisearch feature, initially unveiled with Google Lens in 2022. This multisearch capability supports versatile queries encompassing both text and images. It allows users to refine search parameters directly within the Google app, facilitating more nuanced questions about concepts, ideas, or topics. The search giant promises neatly summarized answers directly in the response box, eliminating the need to navigate through extensive pages of information.
Set to go global on January 31, Circle to Search will make its debut exclusively on the Pixel 8 series and the new Samsung Galaxy S24 trio. However, there's good news for other Android enthusiasts, as the feature is expected to reach additional "premium Android smartphones" later in the year. Meanwhile, the enhanced multisearch functionality within the Google App is rolling out to both Android and iOS users in the United States.