Pixel 8 series gets Circle to Search
Monday, February 5, 2024 at 5:47AM Google has begun rolling out its cutting-edge Circle to Search function on its latest smartphones, including the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. This innovative feature harnesses the power of generative AI to identify content on your smartphone screen. Circle to Search allows for direct identification of highlighted items.
It was originally showcased during Samsung's Unpacked event last month for the Galaxy S24 models, but we know Circle to Search is not exclusive to Samsung devices. And it appears that Google timed the rollout to coincide with the release of Samsung's smartphones. Currently, the Circle to Search feature is exclusively available for Android smartphones, possibly aimed at enticing iPhone users to make the switch.
Despite its name, Circle to Search is not limited to circular motions. You can also scribble or highlight the content you wish to search for. Activating the feature is as simple as a long press on the home button or the navigation bar, followed by drawing on the item of interest to initiate the search.
Practical applications of Circle to Search include quickly identifying items such as clothing in videos and eliminating the need for tedious internet searches to discover what your favourite vlogger is wearing. In another scenario, you can highlight a restaurant name in a group chat to swiftly access details like the menu, location, dish photos, and reviews—all without leaving the messaging app.
Beyond these straightforward applications, you can circle a word or phrase for instant definitions or scribble over a building to identify it and seamlessly add its location to a travel itinerary. For more in-depth queries, Google offers the option to include a string of text, facilitating a deeper exploration.
While Google has recently initiated the rollout of Circle to Search for Pixel 8 smartphones and Samsung's Galaxy S24 models, some Pixel users have already been enjoying its benefits. The company hasn't clarified if the feature will extend to older Pixel models.
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