Google is making strides to expand the reach of its Circle to Search feature, aiming to double its user base from 100 million to 200 million by the end of 2024. The tech giant is looking to leverage Google Lens as a means to achieve this ambitious goal.
Recently, tech enthusiasts managed to activate Circle to Search-like functionality within Google Lens, enabling users to initiate a search directly from any screen. This feature, however, seems to be currently limited to devices with a three-button navigation bar, but there is potential for broader accessibility in future updates.
Circle to Search was initially introduced as a prominent feature of the Galaxy S24 series, offering a convenient and swift method to search from mobile devices based on the content displayed on the screen. Google gradually extended access to Pixel smartphones and has set a clear target of reaching 200 million users by the end of 2024.
While Google has not explicitly confirmed its strategy, there are indications that Google Lens could play a crucial role in bringing Circle to Search functionality to a wider array of devices. Reports suggest that the feature is being tested on iOS and Chrome for Desktop under the Lens branding. Recent beta versions of the Google app for Android have further bolstered the belief that Google Lens could be pivotal in expanding Circle to Search to a broader audience.
An APK teardown, a process of analyzing code within an app to predict upcoming features, has provided insights into potential enhancements related to Google Lens as a Circle to Search alternative. While not all predicted features may materialize in public releases, recent beta versions of the Google app have revealed hidden features within Google Lens that mimic Circle to Search functionality.
For example, users were able to trigger a popup message within Google Lens instructing them to search the screen by holding the home button, a method reminiscent of how Circle to Search operates. By switching to a three-button navigation bar, users successfully activated the Circle to Search feature from within Google Lens, showcasing the potential of this integration. A demonstration video illustrated how long-pressing the home button could override the Google Assistant/Gemini function, hinting at possible toggles for customization in the future.
