At Unpacked 2024, Samsung revealed that it will be partnering with Google as the two plan to introduce AI-powered features that will change the way people search for information on the internet.
It's called Search Circle and what it does is allow people to circle, highlight, doodle or tap topics on the screen to quickly access Google Search. One of the main examples given in the ad is that it can be used to search for clothing items that you might be interested in purchasing.
Let's say you come across a pair of sunglasses you like on social media, but the original poster doesn't mention where you got them from. What you can do is “press and hold the home button or navigation bar” on Android to activate Circle to Search.
Then, circle the sunglasses with the tool and a Google Search results page will appear at the bottom of the screen showing the highlighted product, as well as other similar-looking options. Each will partner with a retailer to make shopping easier. Google claims that Circle to Search can be used on multiple objects. So if you also like the jacket in the initial social media post, you can highlight it and the sunglasses at the same time. Both will appear on the next results page.
Answering questions
Circle to Search, in addition to helping you upgrade your wardrobe, can answer your tough questions as its AI can understand a variety of concepts.
In another example, a protester walked around a very opulent-looking corn dog and then walked in: “Why are they so popular?” in the search bar. A few seconds later, the AI responds by stating that it is a Korean corn dog and then explains why people love them.
What was interesting about the AI response was that it appeared to be a slightly modified version of Google's Search Engine Experience (SGE). It follows a similar design with fonts inside individual cards at the bottom. And finally, the function can function as a dictionary. When you highlight words or terms you see online, their definition appears on the screen.
AI upgrades
Circle to Search will launch globally on January 31 on Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and all Galaxy S24 series phones. It will be available “in all languages and locations” wherever these devices are sold.
The Samsung-Google partnership goes beyond this single feature, as the S24 devices will house the Gemini Pro and Image 2 models. The former will power several smartphone capabilities, such as the Samsung Notes summary tool. Image 2, on the other hand, is said to enable the Galaxy S24's “photo editing capabilities,” such as Generative Edit in the Gallery app.
Pre-orders for the Galaxy S24 are currently open with prices starting at $800 for the standard model and up to $1,600 for the S24 Ultra model. If you're thinking about pre-ordering, be sure to do so through TechRadar's exclusive promotion. You'll get a free storage upgrade and up to $750 off a trade-in.
