Circle to Search: Why It’s Not Working on Pixel Phones and What Google is Doing About it
Google’s Circle to Search, a powerful tool that allows users to instantly search the information displayed on their screen using AI, has been met with praise. However, a peculiar issue has emerged, preventing Pixel phone users from accessing this feature while in split-screen mode. This article delves into the technical details of this problem and explores Google’s plans to address it.
The Bug: Why Circle to Search Fails in Split-Screen Mode
A recent report by Android Authority revealed a discrepancy between Pixel phone behavior and that of other Android devices when it comes to Circle to Search and split-screen mode. While Samsung Galaxy S24 users can effortlessly use the feature in the split-screen view, Pixel users find it unresponsive.
Initially, investigations suggested the issue stemmed from the Assist API – a core component of Android upon which Circle to Search is built – but further exploration proved this theory incorrect. By examining the Pixel Launcher app within the recent Android 15 Beta 1.2, Mishaal Rahman, a prominent tech tipster, discovered a hidden flag. Activating this flag enabled Circle to Search in split-screen mode, indicating that Google is actively working on a fix.
The good news is that this fix should be rolled out to Pixel users soon. While no official release date has been announced, it is likely to be included in the next update.
Beyond the Bug: Circle to Search Gets Updated Features
Even apart from the split-screen snafu, Google is continuously enhancing the functionality of Circle to Search. A new feature in development aims to allow users to take partial screenshots, a capability eagerly awaited by many.
This innovative addition adds two new options – Copy and Share – when you highlight a specific area on the screen. Tapping Copy transfers the selected content to the clipboard for editing in any photo editor app; Share conveniently lets users directly share the screenshot through supported third-party apps.
Conclusion
The Circle to Search feature, despite the temporary snag on Pixel phones in split-screen mode, demonstrates Google’s commitment to using AI to create innovative tools for users. With the fix in the pipeline and the upcoming partial screenshot feature, Circle to Search is poised to become an even more valuable tool for information access and digital communication.
