Billions of daily searches, yet the frustration of jumping through apps for answers remains. But what if you could seamlessly search anything, anywhere, right within your favorite apps?
Ever spotted something fascinating in a video but dreaded leaving to search for it? Or stumbled upon a delicious recipe you'd love to recreate, but your current app blocks the way?
Enter Google Circle to Search, a game-changer powered by AI that empowers your curiosity without leaving your screen
Google is introducing Circle to Search, a revolutionary AI-powered feature that brings seamless searching right to your Android phone. No more app juggling, just circle what you're curious about and get instant answers on any screen
Whether it's identifying a mystery plant in an Instagram post or finding the perfect dupe for that viral outfit on TikTok, Circle to Search empowers your exploration without skipping a beat. So ditch the tab-switching frenzy and embrace the future of search, where your curiosity flows as freely as your gestures.
What is Google's "Circle to Search"?
Circle to Search is a new powerful AI by Google that aids you in searching for things on your Android device without switching apps. Now by gesturing like circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping you get more information right where you are on your phone.
This nifty search method lets you explore whatever piques your curiosity without leaving your current app. Need a pic or info on something? Easy – search anywhere on your Android, be it social media or wherever you are on your phone.
How does circle to search work?
Circle to search helps you to get information about something you are curious about. It works by drawing a circle around an object. You can also highlight, scribble, or by tapping on it. Let's say you are Watching YouTube videos and you come across something you love to know about, like a bag you would love to buy but don't know its name, you can just circle the object in the video to get more information about it without leaving the video - that's cool, right?
Watch the following video to see more for yourself
Circle-to-search also works with multi-search - where you can use both images and text to look for items.
Which devices can use the circle to search?
Currently, Circle to Search is exclusively available for the latest Android products:
Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro: These sleek flagships are the first to experience the magic of gesture search.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Series: Samsung joins the party with its cutting-edge line of phones, ready to embrace the circle.
How to use a circle to search on the phone
Here are the steps to use it correctly:
1. Long-press the home button on your phone to activate the Google search bar.
- The home button is typically located at the bottom center of your device, depending on your phone's gesture settings.
2. Circle, scribble, or highlight the object you want to search.
- This action will display related information or similar objects from various sources. Additionally, there's a search box and a Google Lens camera for more search options.
Keep in mind that this feature is available on specific devices, so if your device isn't compatible, you won't be able to use the circle to search functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some questions and answers from people about Circle to Search.
Is circle search the same thing as Google Lens?
No, Circle to Search and Google Lens are different methods for searching on Google. Circle to Search uses gestures like circling and scribbling on your screen to trigger searches for digital content, while Google Lens uses your phone's camera to analyze real-world objects and provide information about them. Both are powerful tools, but they serve different purposes.
Is circle to search an app?
No, Circle to Search is not a standalone app. It's a feature integrated directly into the Android operating system, specifically on select devices like the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Galaxy S24 Series. This means you won't find a separate app icon for it on your home screen
How can I install Circle to search on my phone?
You can not install it on your phone instead you activate It. Circle to Search is activated through a gesture, usually a long press on the home button or a similar gesture depending on your device's settings
Why can't I activate Circle to search on my phone?
Circle to Search is currently a party exclusive for specific Android devices like the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Galaxy S24 Series. If your phone isn't on this list, it's likely the reason you can't activate it.
Can I activate Circle to search on iOS phones?
Not available on iOS: Circle to Search is an Android-only feature at the moment.
