Google lauches “Circle to Search”

Today, Google has globally launched the Circle to Search feature on the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 series. This recently unveiled feature enables users to perform searches anywhere on their phones through gestures such as circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping.

The technology company sees the new feature as an effort to seamlessly integrate Google Search into everyday moments. Whether you’re watching a video or browsing images on a social app, the goal is to make it easier to pose spontaneous questions. As an illustration, while watching a video of someone enjoying a Korean corn dog, you can circle the corn dog and inquire, “Why are these so popular?”

The feature extends beyond circles to include various gestures. For instance, while conversing in a messaging app about a restaurant with a friend, you can effortlessly tap on the restaurant’s name to access additional details without exiting the app.

Circle to Search simplifies the process of looking up definitions for words or phrases. Imagine watching a video with a drink labeled “prebiotic,” and you’re unsure of its meaning compared to “probiotic.” Previously, you’d have to switch to your browser to search. Now, you can activate Circle to Search by long-pressing the home button or navigation bar, highlight “prebiotic,” learn more, and seamlessly resume the video with a swipe.

Circle to Search allows you to initiate searches from any app, eliminating the need to pause your current task and open a browser for a search. Additionally, if you typically take screenshots as reminders to search later, this is no longer necessary; you can search immediately without disrupting your ongoing activities.

On January 31, Circle to Search will debut on the recently unveiled Galaxy S24 Series smartphones at the Samsung event. Additionally, it will be accessible on premium Android devices like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, supporting all languages and locations where these phones are sold. Google anticipates expanding support to more Android smartphones over time.