With the newest Galaxy S24 series, Samsung, in partnership with Google, introduced probably the most “You are watching Disney channel” characteristic ever: Circle to Search. The brand new Android characteristic permits customers to long-press the house button and carry out a Google search on no matter topic they faucet, circle, or, sure, draw Mickey Mouse ears over, on display screen.
Additionally: How to use Google’s AI-powered NotebookLM to organize your research
This all occurs as an overlay, that means whether or not you are watching TikToks and are interested by what precisely that influencer is sporting for his or her #OOTD, studying an article and are unfamiliar with a time period like “OOTD,” or wish to know the place and what that acquainted landmark is, Circle to Search could also be one of the best ways to fulfill your curiosity with out interrupting the duty at hand.
I spent a day taking part in with the characteristic forward of the current Unpacked occasion, and I have been having fun with it much more as I am testing the Galaxy S24 sequence. So, here is a information for easy methods to use the characteristic, what telephones will help it, and the way for much longer you will have to attend till common launch.
The way to use Circle to Search
What you will want: Circle to Search is presently out there on the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, which incorporates the S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Extremely, although Google has introduced that the characteristic can even come to the newest Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro by January 31. The search characteristic requires an web connection to work, whether or not that is by way of cell information or Wi-Fi.
If you first arrange your machine, an extended press of the house button (whether or not you are utilizing buttons or swipe gestures) will immediate you with two choices: Circle to Search or the usual Google Assistant. Choose the previous to set it because the default software.
Additionally: How to turn your Android phone into a security key for your Chrome browser
In case you have Google Assistant already arrange, you possibly can activate Circle to Search by opening Settings > Show > Navigation bar > and toggling on Circle to Search.
With the topic that you simply’d like to look on display screen, lengthy press the house button to activate Circle to Search. An opaque, blue-tinted overlay ought to seem with a Google Search bar on the underside. At this level, faucet, draw, or circle a topic and Google will current related textual content and image-based search outcomes. In case you’re not happy what your choice (or Google’s search outcomes), you possibly can at all times re-circle what’s on display screen.
This is a professional tip: As Google pulls up your Circle to Search outcomes, you possibly can add context and ask particular questions on what you chose by typing (or dictating with voice) into the “Add to your search” discipline. For instance, I used Circle to Search on The Sphere and requested “How a lot are tickets for this place?”.
Additionally: Google’s new AI search features are game-changing for mobile users (iOS included)
If you’re finished, tapping on the again button of the navigation bar or swiping inward from both facet of the display screen ought to exit you out of the Circle to Search overlay and return you to the underlying app. I am going to word that photographs that you simply use the characteristic on aren’t saved as screenshots.