Google ‘Circle to Search’ feature arrives on Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro: here’s how to use it

Published On: February 2, 2024

Highlights

Google has introduced the Circle to Search feature on Pixel 8 phones.
This functionality first came to the flagship Samsung Galaxy S24 series.
Google has provided a number of use cases for its Circle to Search feature.

First introduced on the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, Google has now expanded its ‘Circle to Search’ feature to its Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. It is designed for Android users to enable seamless content searches on their devices without app-switching hassles. The primary goal of the feature is to improve user interactions by providing a versatile tool for swift and efficient searches within images.

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Circle to Search feature on Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro

On the official blog, Google has announced the rollout of the Circle to Search feature on the company’s flagship phones.
This functionality, initially introduced on the flagship Samsung Galaxy S24 series, is now available on Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
Users can employ a straightforward gesture, such as circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping, to conduct searches without the need to switch between applications.
The expansion of Circle to Search enhances the user experience on a broader range of devices, making seamless searches more accessible and efficient.
It’s not confirmed officially, but, as per some Reddit users, the feature is live in India as well.

How to use the Circle to Search feature?

To activate the Circle to Search feature in any application, users are required to perform a long press on the home button or navigation bar on their Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy S24 series devices.
Following the long press, users can then choose their preferred gesture to highlight the specific portion they intend to search.
This activation process streamlines the accessibility of Circle to Search, allowing users to seamlessly employ gestures for targeted searches within various applications on their devices.

The tech giant has provided a number of use cases for its Circle to Search feature. One example involves users identifying different items worn by an artist by employing simple gestures like circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping on the relevant part of an image.

Other highlighted example includes the ability to solve queries related to items seen on social media. For instance, users who have come across numerous pictures of corn dogs on social platforms can use the feature to find out more about why they are popular.