Google’s AI-powered Circle to Search feature, previously exclusive to Android, is now available for Apple iPhones through Google Lens.
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Google Introduces Circle to Search Feature for iPhone Users
Google’s innovative Circle to Search feature, previously exclusive to Android devices, is now available for iPhone users through the Google Lens app. This AI-powered feature, which was initially introduced on Samsung and Pixel phones, enables users to quickly select and search for objects they encounter on their smartphones.
What is Circle to Search?
Circle to Search allows users to take a screenshot and pinpoint specific items for rapid search or information retrieval. While distinct from Samsung’s Galaxy AI feature, Circle to Search is universally accessible on Android devices via a simple long press. Both features leverage advanced search and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology.
How to Use Circle to Search on iPhone
For iPhone users, accessing Circle to Search requires installing the Google Lens app and creating an iOS shortcut to capture a screenshot and activate the feature. iPhone 15 Pro users can also access the shortcut through the Action button. To set up the shortcut, users must designate a “Search image with Lens” action via the Action button or the Back Tap gesture. Once activated, the Google Lens shortcut searches for relevant information from the captured screenshot.
Expanding Accessibility
Initially launched on Samsung and Pixel phones, Circle to Search allows users to quickly select and search objects they see on their smartphones.
How to Use Circle to Search
- Installation: iPhone users must install the Google Lens app.
- Creating Shortcuts: Users can create an iOS shortcut to take a screenshot and enable the Circle to Search feature.
- Shortcut Activation: For iPhone 15 Pro users, the shortcut can be accessed through the Action button.
- Setting Up Shortcut: Set a “Search image with Lens” shortcut via the Action button or Back Tap gesture.
- Activating Google Lens: Once activated, the Google Lens shortcut searches for relevant information from the obtained screenshot.
- Permission Required: Initially, users need to select “Always Allow” to permit image sharing. iOS 17.4 OS version must be installed.
Usage Tips
- Cursor Adjustment: Users can move the cursor box around the desired object for search refinement.
Using Circle to Search
With Circle to Search activated, users can swiftly copy text, translate, or conduct a visual search directly from the screenshot. If the initial selection is incorrect, users can adjust the cursor box to target the desired object within the screenshot.
Conclusion
Google’s Circle to Search feature brings enhanced search capabilities to iPhone users, empowering them to seamlessly explore and retrieve information from their device screens. With its integration into the Google Lens app, iPhone users can now enjoy the convenience and efficiency of this AI-powered search tool previously exclusive to Android devices.
With this integration, iPhone users gain access to swift text copying, translation, and visual search capabilities from screenshots, enhancing their search experience.