Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Receive Circle to Search Feature

Google
Google has introduced its Circle to Search feature for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, shortly after Samsung unveiled a similar feature for the Galaxy S24 family.

What is Circle to Search?

Circle to Search is a convenient feature that allows users to quickly search for items on their screen by circling or highlighting them. Unlike Google Lens, which it replaces, Circle to Search offers a smoother and faster experience.


Rollout Details:

Reports on Reddit confirm that Circle to Search has started rolling out on January 31 for both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Interestingly, this rollout isn't tied to a firmware update but appears to be a server-side switch, meaning it activates 'magically' without a visible update prompt.

Activation Process:

To activate Circle to Search, users need to long-press the navigation bar and then begin circling or highlighting items on the screen. This functionality works seamlessly across the entire phone interface, enhancing accessibility and user experience.

Integration with Google Lens:

Circle to Search utilizes the same backend as Google Lens, enabling multimodal search queries combining both text and images. This integration enhances the versatility of search capabilities, catering to various user preferences and needs.

Final Thoughts:

With the introduction of Circle to Search, Google aims to streamline the search experience for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro users, offering a faster and more intuitive way to find information on their devices. While the rollout may not be immediately apparent to users, its seamless integration promises enhanced usability without the need for extensive updates or downloads.

Overall, the addition of Circle to Search underscores Google's commitment to improving user experience through innovative features and technologies, further solidifying its position in the competitive smartphone market.