Google might be expanding the reach of Circle to Search beyond its current limitations through Google Lens. Recent findings of hidden code in beta versions of the Google app on Android suggest this exciting development. Circle to Search, a feature first introduced on the Galaxy S24 series, allows users to easily search for information related to what’s on their screens.
Google has been gradually expanding access to Pixel smartphones and aims to reach 200 million users by the end of 2024. It seems that Google Lens could be a key factor in achieving this goal, with reports of the feature being tested on iOS and Chrome for Desktop under the Lens branding.
In recent beta versions of the Google app, several clues have been found:
– A pop-up within Google Lens mentions searching the screen directly by holding the home button, similar to how Circle to Search works.
– When using a three-button navigation bar, the Circle to Search feature could be activated from within Google Lens.
Newer betas have also activated the Translate button and Circle to Search animation within Google Lens. Interestingly, Circle to Search is internally codenamed “Omnient,” while the similar feature within Google Lens is called “Lensient.” Currently, this feature within Google Lens is restricted to three-button navigation bars.
One hypothesis suggests that this restriction might be related to system updates required for Circle to Search on Pixel and Galaxy phones. Extending these updates to a larger number of devices might not be feasible, so limiting functionality to the more universal three-button navigation bar could be a practical solution.
Another possibility is that Google is using Google Lens as a way to bring Circle to Search to a wider audience more quickly. By incorporating the functionality into Google Lens, Google could reach a larger user base without requiring system updates on a massive scale.
While these findings are based on pre-release code and may not reflect the final product, they strongly suggest that Google Lens could play a crucial role in expanding the availability of Circle to Search. This would allow more users to enjoy the convenience of searching for information directly from their screens, regardless of their device, thus democratizing this once exclusive feature.
