Perplexity, the rising AI-powered search and chatbot platform, is working on its own version of Google’s popular Circle to Search feature. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas recently announced on X (formerly Twitter) that this new functionality will soon be available to all Android users, though he did not provide an exact launch date.
Circle to Search, introduced by Google, allows users to quickly look up information by simply drawing a circle around text or images on their screens. It has proven to be one of the most useful features for Android users, integrating seamlessly with Google’s Gemini AI assistant. Now, Perplexity is developing a similar tool that could offer an alternative search experience for those who prefer its AI-powered insights over Google’s ecosystem.
Srinivas shared a short video demonstration showcasing the upcoming feature. In the clip, a user engages in a conversation with Perplexity about the greatest tennis player of all time. The user then circles a bullet point mentioning Roger Federer and asks, “What is the net worth of this guy?” Perplexity quickly identifies Federer and retrieves relevant financial information from the internet. This highlights the feature’s ability to provide contextual search results within a chat interface, making information retrieval more interactive and intuitive.
While Perplexity is working on replicating this functionality, it will likely need to come up with a different name for the feature, as Google has already trademarked ‘Circle to Search.’ However, the announcement reinforces Perplexity’s commitment to competing with Google’s AI tools and positioning itself as a viable alternative for users looking for AI-driven search experiences.
Since its launch, Perplexity has gained traction as one of the most capable AI chatbots, with many Android users opting for it over Google’s Gemini. The company is also expanding its offerings, recently announcing Comet, an AI-powered web browser designed to enhance online searches. While details remain scarce, it is uncertain whether Comet will be available only on mobile devices or extend to other platforms like Windows and macOS.
With AI-powered search evolving rapidly, Perplexity’s upcoming feature could mark a significant shift in how users interact with digital assistants, potentially challenging Google’s dominance in the search and AI landscape.
