Google announces Circle to Search and multisearch with AI, new search methods for 2024

O Google has just announced two innovative search features for Android smartphones, taking search ease to a new level. As Circle to Search and Multisearch & Gen AI, the internet giant aims to optimize the AI ​​functionalities of its Search and Lens services Google, integrating them in the cloud for a more simplified and useful experience. Although initially available to a select group of users, these additions promise to simplify and make accessing artificial intelligence capabilities in everyday life more intuitive. Check out what's new!

Circle to Search: how does it work?

O Circle to Search It's so intuitive that its functionality is revealed in the name itself: just circle, tap, highlight or scribble something on the phone screen, tap a button and that's it! In an instant, artificial intelligence kicks in and a full page of Google search results Google is displayed, offering varied information about the selected content.

contrary to Google Lens, which requires opening a specific application, the Circle to Search can be activated on any smartphone screen with just a simple movement. To get started, simply press the center navigation button (in three-button configurations) or the navigation bar (in gesture configurations). This freezes the current screen, allowing the user to draw a circle with their finger, highlight a specific item, or even scribble a portion of the desired text to begin a search.

Suppose you are exploring a fashion post on Instagram and is enchanted by a pair of shoes, but the user has not provided details about the brand. To resolve this, activate the Circle to Search, circling the shoes on the screen. Instantly, a search results page from Google will present similar alternatives, allowing you to explore additional details about these shoes, including information about brands, manufacturers, and stores that offer similar options. And just swipe back when you're ready to continue exploring.

Multisearch with AI: what's new

Existing since 2022, multisearch on Lens already allowed users to combine visual search with text in a simplified way. When searching for an image of the architecture of a tourist spot with Lens and adding the word “nighttime”, for example, it was already possible to find inspiration in the desired lighting. Now, driven by recent advances in generative AI, called Multisearch & Gen AI In the original, multisearch makes it possible to further explore the world.

The recent innovation in multiple search will offer results with insights from artificial intelligence, providing in-depth understanding that goes beyond visual correspondences. This enables users to perform more sophisticated searches, such as “who is the architect responsible for this work?”, “what is its historical context?” or even “what is the narrative behind this architecture?”. By asking these questions, users will receive an AI-powered overview, with relevant information from multiple sources for a more comprehensive and contextualized understanding.

It will also be possible to combine multisearch with AI and Circle to Search. For example, when browsing Pinterest and come across an image of cupcakes without a recipe, use multiple search to circle the cupcakes and ask specific questions, such as “chocolate cupcakes recipe”. AI updates will provide useful information from multiple sources, allowing you to discover recipes and ingredient details without leaving the app.

Limited availability

Unfortunately, innovations in the forms of research Google will not be accessible to everyone initially. O Circle to Search will initially only be available on five select premium devices, including members of the recently launched series Galaxy S24 da Samsung and the Pixel 8 e 8 Pro do Google. From January 31st, this functionality will be accessible to users of these smartphones around the world.

AI multisearch will be launched this week in English for everyone in the United States. For those outside the North American territory, viewing this new experience will be possible for those opt for the Generative Research Experience (SGE). Stay tuned for updates to make the most of these innovations as availability expands to more devices and regions.

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Sources: Google, The Verge.

reviewed by Glaucon Vital in 18 / 1 / 24.