The way we search is changing. For over two decades, Google has been kinda evolving/enhancing all that a
search engine
can do. This journey has been fueled by advancements in AI, allowing users to understand information in various formats, from text to videos. Gone are the days of simple keywords. We can now search with our voice, images (through
Lens
), and even through generative AI. Taking this further, Google has announced two new features:
Circle to Search
and AI-powered multi search experience. These two updates to search will change the way you use Google search, claims the company.
Circle to Search: Tired of switching apps to find what's on your screen? Circle to Search lets you do just that. On Android, simply highlight, scribble, or even circle anything on your screen and instantly get relevant information without leaving the app you're in. Images, text, videos. In simple words, the feature will allow users to search from anywhere on their phone by using gestures like circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping.
Google also introduced an AI-powered addition to its visual search capabilities in Google Lens. With this, users will be able to point their camera or upload a photo or screenshot to Lens, then ask a question about what they are seeing to get answers via generative AI.
Talking about the Circle feature, Cathy Edwards, VP, Google Search, said, "Since our earliest days, we’ve been focused on helping connect people’s curiosity to the information they’re seeking. And through our investments in AI, we’ve developed completely new ways to express what you’re looking for, in the way that’s most natural to you. Beyond text, we’ve already made it possible to ask a question aloud with your voice, find the name of a song just by humming it or search what you see using Lens. With every technological breakthrough, we’ve gotten closer to helping you search any way, anywhere. And today, we’re sharing our latest step toward that goal: Circle to Search."
Circle to Search will launch on January 31 on the new Galaxy S24 Series smartphones, announced today at the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event. The feature will also come on premium Android smartphones, including the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The ‘Circle to Search' feature will be available in all languages and locations where the phones are available. Google said that over time, it plans to add support for this feature in more Android smartphones. The company, however, gave no time frame for the same.
English (US) ·