Circle to Search, which lets you perform a visual search from any element on the screen, launched on the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 and has since made its way to other Galaxy and Pixel devices. Now, it looks like the feature is about to roll out to other Android phones beyond those made by Google and Samsung.
As spotted by Android Authority, Chinese smartphone maker Tecno told several members of the tech press that Circle to Search will appear on the foldable Tecno Phantom V Fold 2 next month.
This isn't an official announcement from Google, but it's almost as good. If you're using a phone from OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi, Motorola, or any other Android phone maker, you might not have to wait too long for Circle to become available for search.
In May, Google said it wanted Circle to Search to be active on at least 200 million phones by the end of the year, and opening up the feature to devices from more manufacturers will go a long way toward reaching that goal.
What Circle to Search can do
Google is reportedly planning to expand Circle to Search to more Android phones next month, ending the feature's exclusivity to Pixel and Samsung phones. Several TECNO Phantom V Fold 2 reviewers, including @bencsin and Nicholas Sutrich of Android Central, were informed by… pic.twitter.com/jssMYP1j1CSeptember 13, 2024
Circle to Search is basically a fancy new interface for Google Lens, which performs image-based web searches. Anything on your phone’s screen — from lampshades to plants to people — can be used as the basis for a visual search, so you can learn more (or some purchasing options) about whatever you’re looking at.
Despite the name, you don't actually have to circle something: you can also doodle on it or simply tap on it (in which case the tool will try to identify what you're looking for). It's activated with a long press on the home button or the bottom navigation bar.
A recent update to Circle to Search added the ability to search for music playing around you or on your phone, suggesting that Google is committed to improving the tool over time, as well as rolling it out across devices.
We know that more and more Samsung phones are getting Circle to Search, and we can safely say that it will be available on the best Android phones in the future, too. It’s also available on the new Google Pixel 9 series, including the standard model. Check out our full Pixel 9 review to find out more about its features.
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