Google's Circle to Search Feature Expands Beyond Pixel and Samsung Devices
2 Sources
2 Sources
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Circle to Search looks to be expanding to more Android devices, including Xiaomi 14T
Google's Circle to Search feature is a simple but incredibly useful concept that's so far been exclusive to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices. But, soon, it seems like Circle to Search will expand to many more Android devices as evidenced by new details about Tecno and Xiaomi releases. Circle to Search launched in January of this year on the Galaxy S24 series and the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Google later expanded the feature to older Pixel phones and the Pixel Tablet, while Samsung has since brought it to a lot of Galaxy smartphones and tablets, even including some of its most affordable devices. But, so far, it's not shown up outside of those two lineups. It seems that's soon to change. Tecno recently told members of the media including Android Central that its latest foldable, the Tecno Phantom V Fold 2, would be getting Circle to Search sometime in October "when Google plans to expand" the feature to "more Android phones." More recently, SpillSomeBeans has obtained materials for the upcoming Xiaomi 14T series which directly includes images of Circle to Search running on the device. The report here claims that the Xiaomi 14T will be among "the first" phones to get the expanded rollout. If true, that means Google is still making this a device-limited feature, meaning it's not available universally across Android devices. That's somewhat surprising, but hopefully this expansion will still be fairly broad. Beyond Circle to Search, the report brings out that Xiaomi 14T will have several of its own AI features, and marketing materials directly highlight Google Gemini. Xiaomi is confirmed to launch the 14T series next week.
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This phone could be the first non-Samsung or Pixel device to launch with Circle to Search
Key Takeaways Circle to Search may soon expand to more Android devices, starting with the upcoming Xiaomi 14T series. Samsung and Pixel devices currently provide exclusive access to Circle to Search. Xiaomi's new premium phones, 14T and 14 Pro, might also sport many Gemini-powered AI features. Circle to Search is one of Google's best additions to Android in recent years, enabling you to search for your phone's onscreen content quickly. Since its release in early January 2024, Google has continuously improved the feature with Song Search and the ability to identify AI images. The only issue with Circle to Search is its limited availability, as it is only accessible on Pixel and Samsung devices. Reports suggest Google could expand the gesture's availability to all Android devices this October, and it seems Xiaomi could be among the first to adopt the feature. Related Circle to Search lands on Chrome for desktop with two exclusive AI features in tow Chrome calls it Google Lens but it's Circle to Search Xiaomi is gearing up to announce its new premium phones -- the Xiaomi 14T and 14 Pro -- in Europe on September 26th. Ahead of the launch event, some promo materials of the phones have leaked online, highlighting their Circle to Search integration (via SpillSomeBeans). Source: Spill Some Beans Back at I/O 2024, Google announced it wanted to bring Circle to Search to over 200 million Android devices before the end of the year. This is only possible if the feature drops its Samsung and Pixel exclusivity. Based on the leaked marketing materials, the Xiaomi 14T series will seemingly become the first phone outside Google and Samsung's stable to pack Circle to Search, ending its exclusivity. The leak points to Xiaomi's upcoming premium phones featuring AI Notes, AI Interpreter, AI Subtitles, and AI Voice Recorder, all powered by Google Gemini. Xiaomi should expand the availability of Circle to Search and all Gemini-powered AI features to its other flagship devices, including the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, soon after the 14T's launch. Xiaomi 14T specs confirmed ahead of next week's launch Close The marketing renders also confirm the specs of the Xiaomi 14T. It will sport a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset and a 5,000mAh battery with 67W wired fast charging support. Like other recent premium phones from the Chinese company, the phone will sport Leica-branded triple rear cameras, headlined by a 50MP IMX906 sensor, a 50MP telephoto, and a 12MP ultrawide. The Xiaomi 14T Pro will apparently sport a faster Dimensity 9300+ SoC and an upgraded 50MP Sony Light Fusion 900 primary camera sensor. Both phones should go up for preorder soon after the launch event on September 26th and release in early October.
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Google's innovative Circle to Search feature, previously exclusive to Pixel and Samsung devices, is now expanding to other Android manufacturers, starting with Xiaomi and TECNO.
Google's Circle to Search Expands Its Reach
Google's Circle to Search, a groundbreaking feature that allows users to search for anything on their screen with a simple gesture, is breaking new ground in the Android ecosystem. Initially launched as an exclusive feature for Pixel and Samsung devices, this innovative tool is now set to grace the screens of other Android manufacturers
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.Xiaomi and TECNO Join the Circle
In a significant move, Xiaomi and TECNO have become the first non-Samsung, non-Pixel device makers to incorporate Circle to Search into their smartphones. This expansion marks a pivotal moment in the feature's journey, potentially paving the way for wider adoption across the Android platform
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.How Circle to Search Works
Circle to Search is an intuitive tool that enhances the user's ability to interact with content on their device. By simply drawing a circle around any object on the screen, users can instantly initiate a Google search for that item. This seamless integration of search functionality into the user interface represents a significant leap in mobile search technology
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.Xiaomi's Implementation
Xiaomi, a major player in the global smartphone market, is set to introduce Circle to Search on its devices running HyperOS. This integration is expected to debut with the highly anticipated Xiaomi 14 series, showcasing the company's commitment to incorporating cutting-edge features into its product line
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.TECNO's Adoption
TECNO, an emerging force in the smartphone industry, particularly in Africa and South Asia, is also joining the Circle to Search bandwagon. The feature is slated to appear on TECNO devices powered by the company's proprietary HiOS Android skin. This move demonstrates TECNO's ambition to offer premium features typically associated with more established brands
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Implications for the Android Ecosystem
The expansion of Circle to Search beyond Pixel and Samsung devices signifies a potential shift in Google's strategy. By allowing other manufacturers to incorporate this feature, Google is likely aiming to create a more unified and feature-rich Android experience across different brands. This move could potentially level the playing field in the Android market and provide users with advanced search capabilities regardless of their device preference
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.Future Prospects
As Circle to Search becomes available on more devices, it's likely to spur innovation in mobile search technology. Other manufacturers may feel pressured to adopt similar features or develop their own unique search tools to remain competitive. This expansion could also lead to further refinements and improvements in the feature as it adapts to different hardware and software environments across various Android devices
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