Your phone could be about to get a huge search upgrade

It’s possible that another Pixel-exclusive feature will also be available to users of other phone brands.

Back in April, all Google Photos users received features previously only available to Pixel phones, and now the Circle to Search feature is on the verge of becoming a major addition to many other Android phones.

Until now, only a limited number of devices, specifically Google Pixel phones and certain Samsung Galaxy phones, had access to this functionality. However, that looks set to change soon.

According to Mishaal Rahman on X, Google is preparing to make Circle to Search available to more Android phones, with the rollout expected to begin as soon as next month.

Additionally, according to GSMArena, Tecno representatives confirmed that the recently announced foldable Tecno V Fold 2 will receive Circle to Search via an update slated for October.

This suggests Google is now ready to bring this previously exclusive feature to a wider range of phones.

https://twitter.com/MishaalRahman/status/1834652217632342470

As a reminder, Circle to Search is a handy tool that offers a streamlined way to do visual searches. Instead of typing keywords, you can simply draw a circle around the object or content of interest directly on your screen.

The tool then processes the selected area via Google Search or Google Lens, delivering related information such as product details, explanations, or translations, making visual searches quicker and more intuitive.

The upcoming expansion of Circle to Search could be a game-changer for Android users outside the Pixel and Samsung ecosystem.

Visual search tools are becoming increasingly important, allowing users to quickly find information, scan text, or identify objects in a way that feels natural. Expanding Circle to Search will make it easier for a broader range of users to access this kind of functionality, enhancing both convenience and productivity.

Back in May at its I/O 2024 developer conference, Google stated its aim to make Circle to Search available on 200 million devices by the end of the year.

Widening the feature’s availability beyond Google and Samsung devices coould be a key part of achieving this goal. The confirmation from Tecno shows that other brands are already preparing to bring it into their devices.

Although Google hasn’t officially announced the expansion of Circle to Search, it’s clear that the feature’s broader release is imminent.