What’s happened? Google’s Circle to Search is now using AI mode for follow-up queries by default, shifting away from the standard image search.
- According to a report by Android Authority, the change occurred with Google’s app version 16.47.49.
- This means when you circle something on your Android phone, and then ask a follow-up question, the feature will relay the query to AI Mode.
- The follow-up search bar is now at the bottom of the results panel, making it easier to ask additional questions.
Google
Why is this important? In my opinion, the update makes Circle to Search more useful, transforming it from a “point-and-see” image lookup tool into an AI-backed conversational assistant.
- Since the AI Mode supports multimodal inputs, strong reasoning (thanks to Gemini), and has the entire Google database at its disposal, you should get richer, more contextually relevant answers for your follow-up questions.
- It is a significant step up from visually similar images or links.
- In a way, the change also helps unify the search experience on Android, as you don’t need to switch between image- and text-based search manually.
Why should I care? As a Cirle to Search user, you’ll now get better, more useful answers, with an opportunity to ask follow-up questions directly to Google’s AI Mode.
- For instance, you could circle a diagram from a textbook, get a response from Circle to Search, and ask a related query at the search bar at the bottom.
- Instead of manually copying image descriptions into a search bar or switching to another app, everything happens with a single gesture.
- The integration of AI Mode also means you can effortlessly dig deeper into what you see.
Google
OK, what’s next? As the update rolls out to more Android devices, more users should gain access to AI Mode in Circle to Search.
- Over time, we might see even more advanced AI-based features that leverage AI Mode’s multimodal skill set.
- The update could also influence how other apps in the Android ecosystem handle search and discovery.
