Google launches new gesture search feature for Android users

Google has ushered in a new era with “Circle to Search,” a gesture-based search feature on Android phones. By simply circling, highlighting, doodling, or tapping, users can easily find information in any app on their phone. Google is aiming to make search more natural and accessible, starting with some high-end Android phones.

In the past, when Google started to move beyond traditional text search, the tech giant allowed users to ask questions by voice, find out the name of a song by humming the lyrics, and explore the world of images with Lens. Simply put, with each technological breakthrough, Google got closer to its ambition to allow users to search easily, adapting to their preferences regardless of context.

Google will allow Android smartphone users worldwide to search for content within other apps without leaving the app, a move aimed at boosting the search engine's business and boosting engagement for app developers.

The US tech giant Google announced on January 18 that its new “Circle to Search” feature will be gradually rolled out on some high-end Android phones starting January 31. This feature allows users to select text, images or videos in any other app and Google will search for them right there in that app.

Specifically, users can search for details about the content creator's outfit in the video by circling or tapping on the items, after activating the "Circle to Search" feature by holding down the Home button or navigation bar on Android phones.

This is a new move by Google to enhance its ability to search and engage its users even when they are using other applications. It also opens up new opportunities for app developers, as their information and content can be searched more easily, contributing to increased engagement and revenue.

This feature would allow quick access to information without leaving the app, potentially boosting engagement for both the app and the content displayed within it.

Early tests showed that users often returned to the app they were using after activating the “Circle to Search” feature, according to Google.

Google didn't say when the feature would be available on iPhone, only saying it "looks forward to bringing this powerful new capability to more people over time."

Android phones that will get this new feature include Samsung Electronics' new Galaxy S24 Series and Google's Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

Google parent Alphabet reported an 11% year-over-year revenue increase in the three months ended September 30, driven by “significant growth” in search and YouTube, according to its earnings report released in October. Advertising revenue rose 9.5% year-over-year to $59.6 billion.

How will “Circle to Search” feature work on Android?

Think of your phone as a portal to endless information, whether you’re pursuing a passion, solving a problem, shopping, learning, or just having a good time. When you’re deep in something, constantly switching between apps to gather more information can disrupt your train of thought.

Google’s new feature, “Circle to Search,” is designed to solve this very problem. Now you can search for information right within any app on your Android phone without leaving it. Think of it as a magic circle that lets you explore the world with simple gestures.

For example, have you wondered about some of the items a creator is wearing in the videos you’re watching, but they haven’t tagged the brand? Just hold down the Home button or navigation bar on your Android phone to activate the “Circle to Search” search feature. From there, you can select any item you see with your favorite gesture, like circling their sunglasses, to quickly find similar, shoppable options from retailers across the web. You can also doodle on bags and tap on shoes to search for them, all without leaving the app you’re watching. Once you’re done, just swipe away and you’ll be right back where you started.

With Google's latest multi-search and artificial intelligence innovations, you can now search both text and images simultaneously, easily capturing concepts, ideas, or topics through rich content from the web.

Google says, just circle the sweetcorn hotdog and ask “Why is this popular?” and you’ll quickly learn that it’s a Korean-style corn hotdog. And they’re popular thanks to their unique combination of flavors and textures, from the rich meat or cheese filling to the crispy exterior.

Even on YouTube, the “Circle to Search” feature is active, and according to the search engine giant, relevant ads will continue to appear in fixed positions on the search page.

With the “Circle to Search” feature, Google promises to bring a more intuitive and diverse search experience, helping you explore the world of information with just simple gestures.