Key Points:
- Circle to Search is a highly convenient feature on Android devices, allowing users to quickly search for information by simply pressing and holding the navigation pill.
- Despite its usefulness, Circle to Search has limitations, notably its inability to function in split-screen mode on certain devices like Google Pixel phones.
- However, a solution seems to be on the horizon as Google is addressing this issue, potentially making Circle to Search compatible with split-screen mode shortly.
In the realm of Android features, Circle to Search stands out as a beacon of convenience, streamlining the process of seeking information with a simple press and hold of the navigation pill. Its utility is undeniable, especially for those of us who frequently scour the web for answers. Yet, amidst its brilliance, a notable limitation persists the absence of functionality in split-screen mode, a setback particularly evident on Google Pixel devices.
The frustration is palpable when attempting to engage Circle to Search while multitasking with two apps side by side, only to be met with disappointment. This inconvenience stems from the intricacies of Android’s Assist API, which Circle to Search relies on to access screen images. Consequently, disabling the “use screenshot” option or altering the default digital assistant app disrupts Circle to Search’s seamless operation.
However, hope gleams on the horizon, as recent developments suggest a resolution is imminent. While initially presumed to be a systemic constraint within Android’s Assist API, further exploration has revealed a glimmer of possibility. Testing with third-party assistant apps on devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 series has shown Circle to Search’s compatibility with split-screen mode, raising questions about its exclusive limitation on Pixel devices.
Fortunately, Google appears cognizant of this disparity, evidenced by the discovery of a hidden flag within the Pixel Launcher app. Enabling this flag unlocks Circle to Search’s functionality in split-screen mode on Google Pixel 8 Pro devices, signaling a promising step towards universal accessibility. As we eagerly anticipate the resolution of this limitation, we remain optimistic that Pixel users will soon experience the full potential of Circle to Search, ushering in a new era of efficiency and convenience.
