Google Integrates AI to Improve Circle to Search Experience
Google is upgrading its Circle to Search feature by incorporating AI functionalities designed to deliver more comprehensive and intuitive search experiences. Traditionally, users would need to manually enter follow-up questions in the search bar located at the top of the screen after using Circle to Search. Now, an AI-driven mode is being tested to simplify this process and offer instant contextual assistance directly within the search interface.
The new AI Mode activates alongside your Circle to Search results and presents an AI-generated summary that describes the content you have circled. Additionally, the interface now includes a convenient search bar at the bottom of the screen labeled "Ask anything," making it easier for users, especially those using large-screen Android devices, to submit follow-up queries one-handed without stretching for the top search field.
This expanded UI appears when users select the "All" tab on the pop-up window, allowing them to seamlessly scroll through the search responses while also interacting with AI insights. This interaction helps users craft more precise follow-up questions, fostering a smoother search experience.
Availability and Device Compatibility
The AI-enhanced Circle to Search feature is currently rolling out with the beta version of the Google app for Android, specifically version 16.47. Users with Pixel 6 Pro devices running the Android 16 QPR2 Beta update report having access to the new interface. However, this capability remains limited and not widely available to all Android users just yet.
Community Feedback
In a recent poll about the usefulness of this update, 71.43% of respondents stated that the feature significantly eases the process of entering follow-up queries. Meanwhile, 14.29% of users admitted to not using Circle to Search at all, and another 14.29% use the feature but do not submit follow-up questions.
- Yes! It makes it easier for me to type a follow up query. – 71.43%
- No. I don’t use Circle to Search. – 14.29%
- No. I use Circle to Search but don’t add follow-up queries. – 14.29%
Total votes: 7
Relocating the search bar to the bottom of the screen aims to enhance accessibility for users who prefer typing with one hand, especially on larger smartphones. To check if your device supports this update, simply activate Circle to Search and observe if the new AI Mode interface appears.
