Google Lens Brings Android’s Circle to Search to iPhones
For the past year, Google has offered Android users a cool feature known as Circle to Search, in which you can select an item on the screen to run a search on it. Now, iPhone users can tap into that same capability.
How it works
Open the Chrome or Google app on your iPhone. Browse to a web page that contains text, an image, or other content that you’d like to learn more about. In Chrome, tap the three-dot icon, swipe to the bottom of the screen, and select "Search screen with Google Lens." In the Google app, tap the three-dot icon to the right of the address bar and select "Search this screen."
Tap, draw on, or circle the item that has triggered your curiosity. In response, Google takes a snapshot of the content you selected and runs a search on it, showing you the results at the bottom half of the screen.
The Goal
The goal behind the new capability is to save you time and effort. In the past, you’d have to take a photo or screenshot of an item yourself and then run a separate search on it. Like the Circle to Search option on Android, the new feature for iOS performs the same task more quickly and easily.
And there’s more
The AI Overview feature, already available through regular Google searches, is now accessible through the new Lens search capability, both for iOS and Android. In this case, Google will display an overview with a description and key aspects of the topic.
Conclusion
Google Lens has been expanding its capabilities, and the latest addition is the ability to select an item on the screen to run a search on it, just like the Circle to Search feature on Android. This new capability saves time and effort, making it easier to learn more about the content you’re viewing. With the AI Overview feature, you can access even more information with just a few taps.
FAQs
Q: What is Circle to Search?
A: Circle to Search is a feature that allows you to select an item on the screen to run a search on it.
Q: How do I use Circle to Search on my iPhone?
A: Open the Chrome or Google app, browse to a web page, tap the three-dot icon, and select "Search screen with Google Lens" or "Search this screen."
Q: What is the goal of Circle to Search?
A: The goal is to save time and effort by performing a visual search without having to take a screenshot or open a new tab.
