Enhancements to Circle to Search on the Horizon
For those who enjoy the convenience of Google’s Circle to Search feature, there’s a buzz of excitement as the latest beta version of the Google app hints at fresh functionalities. The beta, which carries the version number v15.20.36.29, has been dissected by the keen eyes at AssembleDebug and Android Authority, revealing several intriguing additions that could soon make their way to users.
Among the anticipated features is a “listen” button, which promises to bring an auditory dimension to the search experience. This function would allow Google to vocalize the text you’ve highlighted, potentially making information consumption more accessible and efficient. Imagine having articles, excerpts, or even snippets from images read out loud to you, much like the capabilities seen in Google Lens.
Not to be outdone, the “select all” option is poised to offer a more comprehensive text selection tool. This could enable users to highlight all text within the camera’s view or within an image, streamlining the process of extracting information from visual content.
Moreover, a “save” button seems to be in the works, which would allow individuals to capture and store sections of text or images they’ve circled directly within the Google app. This feature was demonstrated to be functional, showcasing how these snippets can be neatly tucked away in a “saved” tab, rather than cluttering your device’s storage. An “uploaded images” album is also mentioned, providing a dedicated space for these saved searches.
While these features are stirring interest, they are still under development, and it may be some time before they are fully integrated and available to the public.
In related news, Circle to Search has been extended to Pixel Tablet users with Android 14, enabling them to circle or highlight content for instant search capabilities. However, the feature currently does not support the tablet’s split-screen mode. Google has acknowledged this limitation and has announced plans to address it in a forthcoming update. In parallel, Pixel phone users can look forward to split-screen support for Circle to Search, which is already being trialed in the Android 15 Beta 1.2 update.
