Key Points:
- Cloud Saving Feature: Users may soon be able to save selected screen areas to the cloud.
- Listen and Select All Buttons: These familiar Google Lens features could enhance Circle to Search’s functionality.
- Growing User Base: Google aims to double Circle to Search’s reach from 100 million to 200 million devices by year-end.
Launched earlier this year, Circle to Search has rapidly become a favored tool for easily searching smartphone screens. Its evolution continues, as three promising features appear to be on the horizon.
APK teardowns, which analyze preliminary code in-app updates, offer glimpses into potential future functionalities. While these insights are not guaranteed, they provide a strong indication of what may come. In collaboration with the leaker AssembleDebug, Android Authority has identified new features that could soon be integrated into Circle to Search.
Cloud Saving Capability
A notable addition is the potential to save selected screen areas directly to the cloud. Unlike traditional screenshots saved in Google Photos, these partial images would be stored in the “saved” tab of the Google app, accessible via google.com/interests/saved. This feature, already operational in early tests, suggests that users will be able to curate collections of useful screen snippets, enhancing productivity and information management.
Listen and Select All Buttons
The APK teardown also hints at the inclusion of “listen” and “select all” buttons. These features, well-known from Google Lens, could significantly boost Circle to Search’s utility. The “listen” function, which uses Google’s text-to-speech technology to read highlighted text aloud, would be particularly beneficial for accessibility, helping users with visual impairments or those who prefer auditory information.
The “select all” button, mirroring Google Lens’s capability to highlight and copy all text within a selected area, would streamline the process of capturing large amounts of text. This could be especially useful for academic and professional purposes where extensive text extraction is required.
Expanding Reach
In addition to these features, Google has ambitious plans for Circle to Search. The tool, currently on 100 million devices, is set to expand to 200 million devices by the end of the year. This rapid growth underscores Google’s commitment to enhancing user experience through innovative functionalities.
Circle to Search is poised to become an even more powerful tool, blending convenience with advanced features that cater to diverse user needs. As Google continues to refine and expand its capabilities, users can look forward to an increasingly versatile and accessible tool at their fingertips.
