Google's 'Circle To Search' AI Features To Be Available On Pixel Phones In September

Circle to Search enables users to conduct quick Google Lens searches by employing circle, highlight, or tap gestures on any visible item or object on the screen.

Samsung revealed that the exclusive availability of Google's Circle to Search feature initially launched with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, is set to extend beyond Galaxy and Pixel devices starting September of this year. The disclosure was made in a press release celebrating the success of the Galaxy S24 series in the Netherlands.

Samsung emphasised that the Circle to Search by Google is a distinctive feature on the Galaxy S24 series smartphones, asserting that this exclusivity will persist only until September 2024. While this implies a limited period of exclusivity for Samsung and Google devices, it also raises speculation about the potential expansion of the feature to Android smartphones from other manufacturers once the exclusive period concludes.

In the first feature drop of 2024, Google introduced the Circle to Search feature for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Despite the lack of an official statement regarding its availability on other Android devices, industry observers anticipate a broader rollout by the end of this year. The feature is expected to gradually extend to older Pixel devices and select smartphones from Samsung's S-series and Z-series before becoming accessible on devices from other brands.

For those unfamiliar with the Circle to Search feature, it enables users to conduct quick Google Lens searches by employing circle, highlight, or tap gestures on any visible item or object on the screen. To activate the feature, users can either perform a long press on the home button (for button navigation) or swipe inward from the bottom corners (for gesture navigation).

Meanwhile, in a recent quarterly earnings call held on Thursday, Apple's Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cook, provided insights into the company's future developments. Cook hinted at forthcoming generative AI software features, stating that these innovations are currently in progress and are anticipated to be available to consumers "later this year." According to a report by The Verge, Cook emphasized Apple's commitment to investing in cutting-edge technologies that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future. Specifically, he highlighted the company's significant dedication to artificial intelligence, expressing enthusiasm about unveiling the specifics of their ongoing work in this domain later in the year.

While Cook refrained from disclosing elaborate details about Apple's AI initiatives, he assured stakeholders that the company has plans in place for its user base and is eagerly looking forward to the imminent launch of these developments.