Google Search Circle may expand to more Android devices

Google’s visual search feature “Circle Search” is expanding to more Android devices, according to a new leak. The artificial intelligence (AI) feature, which allows users to quickly conduct a web search for any visual element on the screen, is currently only available on some Samsung and Pixel smartphones. However, this may change as a person familiar with the matter claims that the “Circle Search” feature is being added to the Tecno V Fold 2, which was launched on Friday.

Circular search feature may be added to more Android devices

The feature was first introduced in the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in January and later expanded to older Galaxy smartphones and the Pixel smartphone series. Nine months later, the feature is yet to appear in any other smartphone brand. However, tipster Mishaal Rahman claimed in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) that Circle to Search is being added to the Tecno V Fold 2.

Google is reportedly planning to expand Circle to Search to more Android phones next month, ending the feature’s Pixel and Samsung-only existence.

TECNO Phantom V Fold 2 reviewers, including @bencsin And Nicholas Sutrich of Android Central was told… pic.twitter.com/jssMYP1j1C

— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) September 13, 2024

Rahman shared a picture of the feature on a Tecno foldable phone, claiming that the visual search feature will also expand to “more Android phones” next month, finally ending the Pixel and Samsung monopoly on the feature. The source did not reveal the source of the information.

Circle Search is a visual search tool that can be accessed by long pressing the Home or Power button on compatible devices. Once activated, users can draw a circle to highlight an area on the screen, and the feature will automatically perform a visual web search for that area to provide more information. Users can also use it to translate or copy text.

Despite the relative secrecy surrounding the feature, Google has been continually expanding its capabilities and adding new ways to use its AI capabilities. Last month, a report claimed that the tech giant is working on a “Crop and Share” feature that would allow users to crop a portion of an image and share it directly with friends and family using third-party apps. The feature could also identify songs and music that is playing on a device or nearby.