Google offers a neat new search feature. Google is rolling out a new feature in Search that will make it simpler for Android users to ask questions on the platform, with the goal of making Search more “natural and intuitive.” As of right now, you have to either switch between tabs or apps in order to search Google for an answer to a question while using another app. But beginning on January 31, Android users will be able to use “whichever comes naturally to you”—a circle, tap, scribble, or highlight—to search for anything on their device.
Circle to Search
In essence, users can search a query with the new Circle to Search feature by making a simple gesture on the Android device’s display. By circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping on images, text, or videos, you can choose them. Then, without having to switch apps, the answer to your question will appear as a pop-up from the bottom of the screen.
Let’s say you are on Instagram and you come across a cat video where the cat is sporting a cute little bow tie. You’re wondering where you can also get one. To find suggestions for whatever you searched for, you can simply pause the video, draw a circle or box around the bow tie in the video, and a Google Search drawer will appear.
Regretfully, not every Android user has access to the feature yet. According to Google, the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S24, Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will be the first devices to receive the feature. The feature will be available on the aforementioned Pixel and Galaxy devices as of January 31. The timeline for the feature’s release to other Android smartphones has not yet been disclosed by the search engine behemoth.
Search by pointing your camera at anything
Google has added another intriguing update to its current feature, Circle to Search. Google released a feature in 2022 that let users take a picture of anything and receive information about it. Text and images could both be used with this feature. However, Google has improved this feature and, we must admit, thanks to generative AI
As of right now, the Google app’s feature that appears when you ask a question and point your camera at something, upload a picture, or take a screenshot will provide answers that go beyond simple visual matches. For example, you discover a puzzle in your old toy box, but you no longer have the box or the instructions. But now you’re determined to find a solution. Thus, you can utilize the multi search feature, aim your camera at the puzzle, and type “how do you solve this puzzle” into the search box below. You will then receive a thorough explanation of the best course of action.
Look for the Lens camera icon in the Google app on iOS or Android to utilize the feature. The feature’s stable version will only be accessible in the US, but for those outside of the country who are logged into SGE (Search Generative Experience), a preview of the new experience can be found in the Google app.
Go to Chrome on your computer, sign in to your Google Account, and disable Incognito mode before turning on SGE. Select the New tab and then select the Labs icon located at the upper right corner of the page. This will activate the SGE card experiment. All you need to do then is follow the instructions displayed on the screen.