Google’s latest Circle to Search feature, introduced alongside Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series launch last month, will remain exclusive to Pixel and Galaxy devices for most of 2024, according to a press release from Samsung Netherlands. Along with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, the Circle to Search feature made its debut globally on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro from January 31 and will now be exclusive to these devices until the end of September 2024.
“The Galaxy S24 not only opens the door to the future of communications, but is also one of the first phones to feature Circle to Search with Google. And that makes the S24 unique, as this functionality will only be available on Samsung and Google devices until September of this year,” Samsung said in the release.
Some reports highlighted that this artificial intelligence-backed feature, which allows users to search for information by drawing a circle around text or objects on their screen, will remain exclusive to Pixel 8 series and Galaxy S24 series until October 5. Samsung’s statement highlights that there are no active developments underway to expand the availability of Circle to Search.
Circle to Search has been praised for its convenience and speed, offering a more intuitive search experience without leaving the app in use. Users can now trigger Google Search by simple gestures like circling, highlighting, or tapping on screen elements like images, text, or videos. While the feature itself does not introduce new functionality beyond what is available through Google Lens, its ease of access sets it apart, providing a seamless search experience directly from the screen.
Samsung’s hint at a possible extension of Circle to Search to other Android devices after October 5 leaves room for speculation about its future availability. Meanwhile, the feature’s exclusivity to the latest flagship models from Google and Samsung continues to underscore the competitive edge these devices hold in the market.
