Google’s Circle to Search is About to Get Even More Powerful: Scanning QR Codes and Barcodes
Google’s Circle to Search, the AI-powered visual lookup feature that debuted with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, is set to become even more convenient and versatile. Recent reports suggest that it will soon be able to scan QR codes and barcodes directly from your phone’s screen. This addition will make it much easier to access information linked to these codes, potentially revolutionizing how users interact with the digital world.
Circle to Search: A Powerful Tool Getting Even More Powerful
Circle to Search, a powerful feature built into the Google app, enables users to quickly and easily search for information based on visuals. It uses the power of artificial intelligence to analyze images and text captured by your phone’s camera, providing instant answers and resources.
Expanding Capabilities
This new QR code and barcode scanning feature expands upon Circle to Search’s existing capabilities, adding another layer of convenience to the user experience. Previously, users had to rely on separate apps or navigate to a specific menu within the Google app to scan codes. Now, Circle to Search will be able to detect and scan these codes directly from the screen, offering a seamless and integrated solution.
How It Works
According to Android Authority, the barcode and QR code support in Circle to Search was initially spotted in the Google app v15.19.45.29.arm64 beta. However, the feature was inactive in that version. Later, the publication successfully activated the feature in the Google app v15.25.32, demonstrating its functionality.
The new feature leverages Circle to Search’s existing visual lookup capabilities. By holding the Home button and activating the feature, Circle to Search will scan the screen for any visible QR codes or barcodes. Once detected, a small "chip" will appear next to the code, displaying a part of the associated URL. The report also states that the chip will showcase a link preview whenever available, providing a visual context for the link.
Leveraging Google Lens
This new feature appears to be built upon the existing technology of Google Lens, which already has the ability to scan QR codes and barcodes. This is further supported by statements from Google product managers Erin Lynch and Alistair Pott, who confirm that Circle to Search leverages Google Lens capabilities.
The integration of Google Lens technology into Circle to Search demonstrates a strategy to seamlessly merge the two powerful visual tools. This suggests that users can expect even more sophisticated and integrated visual search experiences in the future.
Enhancing User Safety
Beyond convenience, the addition of QR code and barcode scanning functionality to Circle to Search introduces a layer of user safety. By displaying a portion of the destination URL before scanning the QR or barcode, users can ensure they are accessing the intended website and avoid falling victim to malicious links or phishing schemes.
A Feature Yet to be Released
While the QR code and barcode scanning feature has been spotted in recent beta versions of the Google app, it is not yet available to general users. There is no official word on when Google plans to roll out this feature to a wider audience. However, given the apparent progress made in the beta versions, it is likely that the feature will be released in the near future.
Conclusion
The integration of QR code and barcode scanning into Google’s Circle to Search is a logical and exciting development. It further elevates the powerful visual search capabilities of Circle to Search, making it a more versatile and user-friendly tool for accessing information and navigating the digital world. The integration of technology from Google Lens and the emphasis on user safety suggest that this feature will enhance the user experience in a meaningful way. As this feature becomes more readily available, we can expect to see a significant impact on how users interact with QR codes and barcodes, making access to information even more seamless and efficient.
