Google has announced two major updates to its search engine, making information retrieval more intuitive and natural than ever before.
These features, dubbed “Circle to Search” and “AI-powered Multisearch,” represent significant strides towards a future where searching for anything, anywhere, is seamless and effortless.
Circle to Search: Gone are the days of switching between apps to satisfy your curiosity. Circle to Search empowers Android users to highlight, scribble, or tap on anything on their screen – an image, text, or even a video – and instantly access relevant information without leaving the current app.
This feature, launching globally on January 31st for select premium smartphones like the Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S24 series, eliminates the friction of traditional search and keeps users immersed in their digital activities.
AI-powered Multisearch: Google’s multisearch technology, which allows users to combine text and image queries, is getting an AI boost. Now, when you point your camera at an object or upload a picture and ask a question, the search engine provides AI-powered insights beyond just visual matches.
“This opens up a world of possibilities, like effortlessly understanding the rules of an unfamiliar board game or learning more about a historical landmark. This feature is available in English for everyone in the US starting this week, accessible through the Lens camera icon in the Google app,” noted Elizabeth Reid, the Vice President of Search at Google.
These updates mark a significant step forward in Google’s ongoing journey to redefine search. By harnessing the power of generative AI, Google is making information more accessible and understandable than ever before.
With Circle to Search, users can stay in the flow of their digital experiences, while AI-powered Multisearch provides deeper insights into the world around them.
Looking ahead, Google says it remains committed to bold experimentation with generative AI in search.
“The Search Labs platform will continue to serve as a testbed for innovative ideas, with the ultimate goal of bringing the most helpful AI applications to everyone. As Google continues to reimagine the future of search, users are invited to join the exploration by enrolling in Search Labs and participating in the Search Generative Experience (SGE) experiment.”
This update is sure to excite anyone who relies on Google to navigate the vast world of information. With Circle to Search and AI-powered Multisearch, searching becomes more intuitive and seamless.