Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 to make search more interactive via Circle to Search
At Unpacked 2024, Samsung revealed it is partnering with Google as the two plan to introduce AI-powered features that will change the way people look up information on the internet.
It is called Circle to search and what it does is allow people to circle, highlight, scribble or tap topics on the screen to quickly access Google Search. One of the key examples given in the announcement is that it can be used to look up clothing items you may want to purchase.
Say you come across a pair of sunglasses you like on social media, but the original poster doesn’t say where they got them. What you can do is “long press the home button or navigation bar” on Android to activate Circle to Search.
Then you circle the sunglasses with the tool and a Google search results page will appear at the bottom of the screen with the highlighted product and other similar options. Each will be linked to a retailer for easy purchase. Google states that Circle to Search can be used on multiple objects. So if you also like the jacket in the first social media post, you can highlight that and the sunglasses at the same time. Both appear on the subsequent results page.
Answering questions
Circle to Search not only helps you upgrade your closet but can also answer your tough questions as the AI can understand a variety of concepts.
In another example, a very luscious looking corn dog was circled by a protester who then chimed in, “Why are these so popular?” in the search bar. A few seconds later, the AI responds that it is a Korean Corn Dog, and then explains why people like it.
What’s interesting about the AI response is that it seemed like a slightly modified version of Google’s Search Engine Experience (SGE). It follows a similar layout with resources in individual cards at the bottom. And finally, the function can also serve as a dictionary. By highlighting words or terms you see online, their definition will be displayed on the screen.
AI upgrades
Circle to Search will roll out globally on January 31 to the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and every phone in the Galaxy S24 series. It will be available “in all languages and locations” wherever these devices are sold.
The partnership between Samsung and Google goes deeper than this one feature, as the S24 devices will house the Gemini Pro and Imagen 2 models. The former will power several smartphone capabilities, such as the summary tool on Samsung Notes. Imagen 2, on the other hand, is said to enable the Galaxy S24’s “photo editing capabilities”, such as Generative Edit in the Gallery app.
Galaxy S24 pre-orders are currently open with prices starting at $800 for the standard and going up to $1,600 for the S24 Ultra model. If you’re thinking of pre-ordering, make sure you do so through Ny Breaking’s exclusive promotion. You’ll get a free storage upgrade and up to $750 off a trade-in.