Circle to Search expansion on Android delayed
Samsung unveiled the "Circle to Search with Google" feature at the Galaxy Unpacked event last month, offering Android users a seamless way to search for information within any app. However, recent information from a press release suggests that this feature may have limited availability on select devices throughout 2024.
As of now, Circle to Search is exclusively present on the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, the flagship devices for each company. While Google hasn't officially confirmed a release date, a press release on the Samsung Netherlands site hints that the expansion of this feature to other Android devices might not happen until October 5th, 2024.
The statement from the press release reads, "Circle to Search will be available on the Google Pixel 8 series and Samsung Galaxy S24 series from January 2024. Circle to Search may become available on Android devices from other brands from October 5, 2024, but there are no active developments underway."
This development raises concerns not only about the accessibility of "Circle to Search" on older devices but also on upcoming ones like Google's Pixel 9 series and the Samsung Z Fold 6. The mentioned date aligns closely with the typical timeframe of the "Made by Google" event, potentially excluding Samsung's next foldable device.
However, the wording specifying "Android devices from other brands" suggests that this timeline might only impact non-Google and non-Samsung devices, possibly coinciding with the release of Android 15. Delaying availability until October might be a strategic move to provide exclusivity to upcoming Google and Samsung product launches, including the rumored Pixel 8a and the Z Fold 6.
It's essential to note that similar functionalities are already accessible through Google Lens on all Android devices. While "Circle to Search" offers a quicker and more efficient way to search on-screen content compared to Google Lens, its limited availability is a notable downside.