Google launches 'Circle to Search' for text and image searches anywhere on Android phones

Google has introduced a new AI-powered feature, Circle to Search, for Google Search on select Android phones (Samsung Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 for now). The feature allows users to initiate a search about something on the screen by circling, highlighting, or tapping on the screen, providing AI-assisted information on the selected subject/picture. And although it initially sounds very similar to Google Lens, unlike it, Circle to Search can be used anywhere on the device without the need to open the app beforehand.

The feature can be accessed by long-pressing the home button or the navigation handle and can be used to search both text and images. This also saves you from having to open the Google app and speeds up the search process, not to mention that it's a more efficient alternative to traditional screenshot-based searches.

Along with the launch of Circle to Search, Google has also announced an AI-powered upgrade to multisearch in Lens, a feature that aids users in refining visual searches with complex questions. The updated multisearch feature, which is supported by Circle to Search, is now available in the Google app for users in the United States on both Android and iOS devices.