Google’s Circle to Search feature is gearing up for a major redesign. The new update, as revealed in a recent report by Android Authority, includes a revamped user interface (UI) and a brand-new app drawer button that could bring back the popular Google Lens shortcut. This update, still in beta, promises to streamline the search process and make it more accessible, especially on Android devices.
What is Circle to Search?
Circle to Search, first introduced earlier this year, is a feature that allows users to search for anything that appears on their screen without having to switch apps. The tool, available initially on Google Pixel and Samsung devices, enables users to circle an object, text, or image directly from their screen to start a search. This is particularly useful for quickly looking up information about products, translating text, or identifying objects, all within the same app you’re using. It also taps into Google’s multi-search functionality, which allows users to combine text and image search for a more comprehensive answer to their queries.
This feature has already proven to be a valuable tool for many users, providing a seamless way to gather information without needing to manually navigate between multiple apps. However, as with many new features, Circle to Search’s user interface was due for an overhaul, and Google is set to deliver with the upcoming update.
A Fresh Look with New Features
The new changes to Circle to Search are aimed at improving accessibility and simplifying the UI. Currently, the feature displays the search bar, music, and translate buttons as floating elements that can appear anywhere on the screen. While functional, this design has been seen by some users as cluttered and a bit intrusive. The new update will consolidate these elements into a pill-shaped box, streamlining the look and making it less distracting while maintaining easy access to its core functions.
Beyond the cosmetic changes, the new update also introduces a more organized app drawer button. This feature will likely make it easier for users to access various Google apps and tools associated with Circle to Search, potentially reintroducing the Google Lens shortcut, which had been a fan favorite among users for quickly identifying objects and translating text.
While the update is still in its beta phase, the redesigned interface is expected to be more intuitive and allow users to launch searches or access tools with fewer steps, enhancing the overall user experience.
Google Lens and Multi-Search: A More Powerful Tool
One of the most notable changes in this update is the potential return of the Google Lens shortcut within the new app drawer. Google Lens, which allows users to search for information by pointing their phone’s camera at objects, has been a staple feature of Google’s ecosystem. Its integration with Circle to Search had been missing for some time, but with this update, users will likely see Lens become a core feature once again, enhancing the multi-search experience.
Multi-search, another feature that Google has invested heavily in, allows users to perform a search using both images and text simultaneously. This could mean that Circle to Search will become even more powerful, enabling users to combine a snapshot of an item with a textual query, bringing up more accurate and diverse results.
What This Means for Android Users
For Android users, especially those with Google Pixel or Samsung devices, this update will be a welcome improvement. The streamlined, pill-shaped search box is expected to make searching smoother and less cluttered, while the reintroduction of Google Lens could elevate the feature to new heights. For users who regularly rely on Circle to Search to find information on the go, this redesign is sure to make the process even more efficient and enjoyable.
As Google continues to refine its tools and features, the changes to Circle to Search highlight the company’s ongoing commitment to improving its Android experience. By prioritizing ease of use and functionality, Google is creating an interface that not only enhances productivity but also contributes to a more cohesive Android ecosystem.
In conclusion, the new UI update for Circle to Search will soon be rolling out, bringing a cleaner, more organized interface with the promise of even more powerful features. Whether you’re searching for products, translating text, or simply looking up information, these changes will make it easier to do so right from your screen, making the Circle to Search feature an even more indispensable tool for Android users. Keep an eye out for the update it’s only a matter of time before it arrives on your device.
