Google Pixel 8 series gets Circle to Search feature

The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have recently received updates introducing new features, including the Circle to Search feature unveiled at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event. 

Now the users of Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro can utilise Google's Circle to Search functionality on their smartphones, allowing Google Lens-like searches without switching applications. This AI-powered feature from Google is anticipated to extend to other flagship smartphones.

By Google's previously outlined timeline, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have been equipped with support for the Circle to Search feature. A member of the Gadgets360 staff reported that the feature was activated on their Pixel 8 without requiring a software update, suggesting it was remotely enabled by Google.

Read more: How to use Google's new 'Circle to Search' update

While users can still access Google Lens through the Google app or Google Assistant, these actions require switching away from the current application. 

This can be inconvenient, especially if you're using an app like Instagram, where switching might disrupt the ongoing video. In contrast, the new Circle to Search feature allows users to conduct searches without leaving the current app.

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Guide to using Circle to Search on Pixel 8

To utilise the Circle to Search feature on the Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro, users can long-press the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen. The phone will freeze the displayed image, allowing users to draw or scribble around a product or object for a visual lookup using Google. Additionally, users can highlight text and initiate a Google search through a popup.

Google had previously announced that the Circle to Search feature would extend to "select premium Android smartphones," beyond the Pixel 8 series and the Galaxy S24 series, indicating that other manufacturers' smartphones may soon offer support for this feature.