Google aims to enhance its Circle to Search feature by reducing unintended touches.
Google may also integrate the search result page with the Lens result page within the Circle to Search feature.
Google is aiming to enhance the Circle to Search feature by addressing the problem of accidental touches that users have encountered. Introduced in January this year with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, Circle to Search allows users to visually search by circling an image or block of text, prompting Google Search results related to the highlighted content. However, some users have reported instances where the feature activates unintentionally.
In the latest episode of the Made by Google Podcast, released on Monday, Product Manager Erin Lynch and Director of Product Management Alistair Pott discussed the feature in depth. They acknowledged the sensitivity issue that users have raised, where Circle to Search can be triggered even when not intended. Users have noted that the feature may activate through long-pressing the navigation bar or the Home button.
Lynch addressed the issue, stating, “We still have further to go, and we’re working a lot on making sure it’s triggered when you want. It’s not triggered when you don’t want.” Although no specific timeline for the improvement was provided, this acknowledgment indicates that the team is actively working on resolving the issue.
Another intriguing detail revealed in the podcast was that Circle to Search leverages the capabilities of Google Lens for visual lookup. While this was previously speculated, it is now officially confirmed by the company for the first time. Moreover, this integration is expected to be further enhanced in the future. Product Manager Erin Lynch expressed excitement about merging the search result page with the Lens result page, stating, “We’re bringing Lens and Search together more […] I’m really excited about our merging of both the search result page with the Lens result page. And that’s going to be rolling out over many, many months.” This initiative aims to streamline the search experience for users when utilizing the feature.
Google’s Circle to Search employs artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze the content visible on the screen, subsequently querying Google Search to provide relevant results. This feature enables users to explore specific words or phrases, inquire about the price of an item of clothing, learn about notable landmarks, and much more.
