Google’s Search Generation Experience has taken a revolutionary leap with the introduction of Circle to Search, expanding its multi-search capabilities. Unveiled at Samsung’s Unpacked 2024 alongside the Galaxy S24, this collaboration underscores the evolving Google-Samsung partnership, emphasizing OEMs’ preference for proprietary products. Engaging in Google’s Search Generative Experience experiment through Google Labs promises AI-powered responses to relevant queries within the SGE framework.

Exploring Google Circle Search

Google Circle Search emerges as a versatile tool, allowing users to glean information through circles, highlights, scribbles, or taps. Its real-world applications span from researching unknown topics to purchasing items within videos or images, inspecting products, and gaining a deeper understanding of various subjects like plants, board games, museums, roads, and more.

What is Google Circle Search?

While we are familiar with Google Lens, enabling text extraction, product searches, and translations, Circle to Search takes it a step further. No longer confined to launching Lens or accessing it via the sidebar, users can now activate the Lens directly from the home screen. Circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping initiates the search process, allowing users to explore any photo or video.

Google Circle Search is coming to Android.

This exciting feature won’t be exclusive to Samsung devices; future updates will extend it to various Android devices. Google has confirmed its availability on selected premium Android smartphones, including the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 Pro, supporting multiple languages and locations.

Activating Circle Search

Before diving into the Circle to Search experience, users must enable it in their device settings. By default, this feature is disabled.

1. Open the device settings.
2. Navigate to the display settings.
3. Access the navigation bar and toggle to enable Circle to Search.

Once activated, users can seamlessly integrate Circle to Search into their device experience. If needed, the feature can be easily disabled to avoid accidental triggers.

Using Google Circle to Search

To maximize the benefits of Circle to Search, keeping your device updated is crucial. Let’s walk through an example scenario. Imagine you’re searching for an “Outfit of the Day” video on Instagram without specific tags or brand information.

1. Long-press on the navigation bar or home button to activate Circle to Search.
2. A sparkly effect confirms the activation, allowing you to circle the desired object in the Google Search results at the bottom.
3. Use your preferred gesture to mark items for extraction, finding similar products, or any desired web search.
4. View search results at the bottom, including SGE material, with similar images or products. Click, copy, call, or translate based on your preference.
5. If needed, circle items again to expand highlighted areas for better results. Ask follow-up questions using the Google Search Bar at the bottom.

AI-Powered Multisearch has been rolled out in Google apps for Android and iOS in the US (English only), accessible to all users meeting the criteria without the need for beta opt-in.

Conclusion

Google’s experimentation with Circle to Search has finally culminated in an official introduction, unlocking myriad opportunities for users. No longer constrained by the need to capture screenshots and utilize Google Lens separately, a simple tap on the home button or navigation bar triggers Circle to Search. This streamlined process enhances search capabilities and opens up possibilities for future integration across various Android devices, even on less-premium smartphones, in the coming year.

FAQ

1. What is Google Circle Search, and how does it differ from Google Lens?
   • Google Circle Search is an innovative feature that allows users to initiate searches by circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping on their device screen. Unlike Google Lens, Circle to Search provides more freedom by enabling searches directly from the home screen without the need to launch Lens separately.
2. Is Google Circle Search limited to Samsung devices, or will it be available on other Android smartphones?
   • While initially introduced with the Galaxy S24 at Samsung’s Unpacked 2024, Google Circle Search is not limited to Samsung devices. Future updates will extend this feature to various Android devices, including premium smartphones like the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 Pro, supporting multiple languages and locations.
3. How can I activate Circle to Search on my Android device?
   • To activate Circle to Search, follow these steps:
     1. Open your device settings.
     2. Navigate to the display settings.
     3. Access the navigation bar and toggle to enable Circle to Search. Once activated, you can seamlessly use Circle to Search for information on your device.
4. Can I use Google Circle Search to search for specific items within photos or videos?
   • Absolutely. Google Circle Search allows users to circle specific objects within photos or videos, initiating a search for related information. Whether you’re looking to extract text, find similar products, or explore details further, Circle to Search provides a versatile and efficient search experience.
5. Is there any privacy concern with Google Circle Search tracking my screen activities?
   • Google Circle Search is designed with user privacy in mind. The feature is not enabled by default and only activates when manually triggered with a long press or hold on the navigation bar or home button. This ensures that Circle to Search respects user privacy and operates based on user-initiated actions.