Google’s innovative “Circle to Search” feature, currently available on select Pixel and Galaxy smartphones, could soon be making its way to more Android devices, including those from popular brands like OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Motorola.
The feature, which first debuted on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 8, allows users to run visual searches on anything displayed on their phone’s screen—whether it’s an object, image, or even music playing in the background.
Now, thanks to an upcoming rollout, more smartphone users across the globe will soon be able to access this handy tool.
What is Circle to Search?
Circle to Search is essentially a refined version of Google Lens, which enables users to perform web searches based on images or objects visible on their device’s display.
Whether it’s an item of furniture, a plant, a celebrity, or any other visual element, users can simply draw a circle around it or tap it to start a search.
While the name implies circling objects, you can also scribble over an area or tap on the object, and Google will automatically attempt to identify and search for it.
This feature not only provides relevant information about objects but also offers shopping options if the identified item is something available for purchase.
Recently, the feature was upgraded to recognize music playing in the background or on the phone, further enhancing its versatility.
Set to Expand Beyond Google and Samsung
Initially available only on Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices, Circle to Search is now making its way to phones from other manufacturers. According to reports from Android Authority, Chinese smartphone brand Tecno has confirmed that the feature will be available on its foldable Phantom V Fold 2 device in the coming month.
This development suggests that Google is actively working to expand Circle to Search beyond its traditional partners, allowing users of other Android phones to experience this feature as well.
Though Google hasn’t officially announced this expansion, Tecno’s statement is a strong indicator that Circle to Search will soon reach a broader audience.
For Indian consumers using popular brands like OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi, or Motorola, the wait might not be much longer.
With Google previously stating its intention to have Circle to Search active on at least 200 million smartphones by the end of the year, this expansion to additional manufacturers is a critical step toward reaching that ambitious goal.
How Circle to Search Works
The beauty of Circle to Search lies in its simplicity. Users can activate the tool by long-pressing the home button or the bottom navigation bar on supported devices.
Once launched, they can visually search anything on the screen by circling, scribbling, or tapping the object in question.
Whether you want to know more about a lamp in an Instagram post, identify a rare plant, or find out who the person in a photo is, Circle to Search delivers answers in seconds.
Moreover, the feature’s ability to identify music—either playing around you or on your phone—indicates that Google is committed to enhancing the tool’s capabilities over time.
This recent addition, combined with its seamless integration into the Android ecosystem, ensures that Circle to Search remains a powerful and evolving feature.
Google’s Vision for Circle to Search
Google’s ultimate goal is to make Circle to Search a universal tool across Android devices. Expanding the feature to include more smartphones beyond the Pixel and Galaxy lineup is a big step toward this vision.
With millions of Android users worldwide, the integration of Circle to Search into devices from brands like Tecno, OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Motorola will not only increase the tool’s accessibility but also help Google maintain its stronghold in the visual search domain.
By bringing Circle to Search to more users, Google is also making it easier for people to connect the physical and digital worlds.
The ability to search for information based on what’s displayed on your phone screen is a powerful feature that simplifies everyday tasks, whether it’s online shopping, identifying unknown objects, or finding quick answers to curiosity-driven questions.
The expansion of Google’s Circle to Search feature beyond Pixel and Galaxy devices is a significant development in the world of visual search. With Tecno confirming that the feature will soon be available on its Phantom V Fold 2, users of other Android devices can expect access to this handy tool in the near future
