Circle to Search was launched in January on the Galaxy S24 series and later on the Pixel 8 lineup. It has since expanded to more devices, providing users with an easy-to-use feature that allows for visual searches by drawing on any part of the screen. This AI-powered tool is a quicker version of Google Lens and can be activated by holding down on the home button or gesture bar and circling an object of interest, such as a jacket in a video. It can then display images and potentially provide information on where to purchase the item.
The feature, while it may seem gimmicky, can be quite helpful in certain situations, reminding users of its presence when needed. It essentially functions as a more efficient and AI-driven version of Google Lens, offering users the ability to perform quick visual searches by drawing on the screen. Circle to Search has gradually expanded to various devices, including older Samsung and Google phones, as well as some Android tablets like the Pixel tablet. The list of supported devices includes the latest Galaxy and Pixel models, as well as other Samsung and Google devices launched in recent years.
To use Circle to Search, users simply need to press and hold the home button on their compatible Galaxy or Pixel device and select the Circle to Search option that appears. Once activated, users can circle, draw, or tap on any object on their screen to initiate a search on Google. The feature allows for a wide range of search possibilities, from identifying celebrities on social media to finding products for purchase online. Results are displayed in a panel at the bottom of the screen, providing more information about the circled object and offering tailored search options based on the user’s query.
Circle to Search enables users to refine their searches by entering prompts or asking for AI summaries related to the circled object. For example, users can request vegan alternatives for a food item or search for specific items on online marketplaces. The feature does not save screenshots of search results, but users can view their search history in their Google settings. When finished with a search, users can simply hit the back button to exit the search results. Overall, Circle to Search offers a convenient and efficient way to perform visual searches on compatible devices, ensuring a seamless user experience.
As Circle to Search continues to expand to more devices and becomes a standard feature on modern smartphones and tablets, users can take advantage of its AI-powered search capabilities to quickly find information about objects of interest. By drawing on the screen and initiating a search, users can access a wealth of information and tailored search results, making it easier to perform visual searches on the go. The feature’s intuitive interface and functionality make it a valuable addition to the smartphone experience, allowing for quick and convenient searches without the need for traditional text-based queries.
