Search the World with a Snap
A picture can convey an immense amount of information, and with today’s technology, you can harness that power to search the internet without typing a single word. Thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence, modern smartphones can instantly analyze objects in your camera view or within photos and videos, enabling you to gather relevant search results in a matter of seconds. Best of all, you don’t need to own the latest model or download additional apps; current tools for both Android and iOS are at your fingertips with just a simple tap or swipe. Here’s how to make the most of this feature.
Introducing Circle to Search
One of the most exciting tools available is Google’s Circle to Search feature, which was launched earlier this year for Android devices. This innovative feature allows you to initiate a search by simply dragging your finger around an object on your screen, all without the hassle of switching between apps. Circle to Search is compatible with a wide range of Android phones, including many models from the Samsung Galaxy lineup. Additionally, Galaxy users have the option of using Samsung’s Bixby Vision for visual searching.
To get started with Circle to Search, ensure that the feature is activated on your device. If you’re using Android 15, navigate to the Settings menu, select Display & Touch, and then choose Navigation Mode to access the Circle to Search controls. (The specific steps may vary depending on your device’s hardware and software, but you can utilize the Settings search box to locate Circle to Search easily.)
In Android 15, the controls for Circle to Search can be found within the Navigation Mode section of your phone’s settings. Here’s a visual representation of the phone toggled to 3-button navigation mode:
Credit…Google
When you come across something intriguing that you wish to explore further, activate Circle to Search by pressing the circular home button located at the bottom of your screen (if you’re using 3-Button navigation) or by tapping the navigation handle (the horizontal line at the bottom of the screen) for Gesture navigation. Once activated, the screen will dim slightly, and a menu of search tools will appear.
Next, simply drag your finger around the item of interest on the screen. Google will then display relevant search results below the image. You can also refine your search by adding keywords, and in many cases, A.I.-generated summaries will accompany your results, providing a quick overview of the information you need.
