Google has officially announced the global rollout of its innovative Circle to Search feature, now available on the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. This innovative feature, introduced earlier this month, revolutionizes the search experience by enabling users to initiate searches seamlessly from any point on their device through intuitive gestures such as circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping.
The primary objective of this new feature is to make the process of engaging with Google Search feel more natural, allowing users to effortlessly access information whenever a query arises – be it while watching a video or perusing images on a social media app. For instance, if you’re engrossed in a video featuring someone enjoying a Korean corn dog, you can simply circle the corn dog and inquire, “Why are these so popular?”
Circle to Search isn’t limited to circles; users can employ various gestures to activate the feature. For instance, while chatting in a messaging app about a restaurant, a quick tap on the restaurant’s name brings up additional details without leaving the app.
One of the standout features of Circle to Search is its ability to simplify the process of looking up definitions for words or phrases. Imagine you’re watching a video showcasing a drink labeled “prebiotic,” and you’re curious about its meaning in comparison to “probiotic.” Previously, you’d have to exit the app and open a browser to search for the word. Now, you can long-press the home button or navigation bar to activate Circle to Search, highlight “prebiotic,” and gain instant insights without interrupting your viewing experience. Once done, a simple swipe allows you to seamlessly return to your video.
With Circle to Search, the convenience extends to accessing search functionality from any app, eliminating the need to interrupt your current activity and switch to a browser for a search. Additionally, for those accustomed to taking screenshots as a reminder to search something later, Circle to Search eliminates this step by allowing immediate searches without disrupting your ongoing tasks.
This latest feature from Google not only enhances the efficiency of search but also demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing a more intuitive and seamless user experience across various contexts and applications.
