Google is apparently planning to expand its Circle to Search feature to other Android phones via Google Lens. In a recent deep dive, news site Android Authority found clues about the update within the files of recent beta versions of Google’s app and compiled them all together.
What's particularly interesting is that they managed to get the tool to work on a smartphone, possibly hinting at an imminent launch. According to the report, they even managed to receive a pop-up notification informing users that the update would appear.
It tells people to long-press the home button to access Circle to Search, much like the Galaxy S24 experience. Upon activation, a three-button navigation bar appears at the bottom, and an accompanying video shows the tool in action as it searches for highlighted parts of the Play Store in Google Search. As you’d expect, the UI looks similar to that of Galaxy phones, with search queries rising up from the bottom.
Colliding with Gemini
You may notice that the rainbow filter animation is gone and replaced by a series of dots and lines. Well, that's the older beta version, and the newer version has the animation and the Translate button, which appears in the bottom right corner next to the search bar.
At first glance, it looks like Circle to Search on Google Lens is about to launch, although it's still a work in progress with some kinks to work out. For example, how will it work on a smartphone that hosts the Gemini app, since holding down the home button starts the chatbot? Google could prioritize Circle to Search in this case, so long-pressing opens the tool instead of the AI. However, at this point it is too early to tell.
New navigation option
Android Authority also found “XML files that reference pill-based gesture navigation.” If you don't know what it is, it's the oval at the bottom of Android screens. The shape allows you to move between apps with basic gestures. Google Lens could offer this option, allowing users to get rid of the three-button navigation bar, but it may not appear for a while since it doesn't work in beta versions.
However, Circle to Search in Google Lens will most likely stick to the three buttons. The original report has a theory about this, as they believe that implementing the navigation pill would mean systemic OTA (over-the-air) updates for millions upon millions of Android smartphones, which may or may not be feasible. So, in order for Circle to Search to reach people sooner, the navigation option will need to be delayed a bit. The three-button solution is easier to implement.
There's no word on when the update will arrive, but we hope it's soon as it's a great feature and currently a highlight for Galaxy and Pixel devices that have it.
While you're here, be sure to check out TechRadar's list of the best Android phones for 2024.
