Circle to Search Gets AI Enhancements and Gaming Upgrades

Google is expanding the AI capabilities of its Circle to Search and Gemini Live tools, enhancing user experiences on both smartphones and smartwatches. These updates were announced during Samsung’s Unpacked event, coinciding with the launch of Samsung's next-generation foldable devices. The Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, and new Watch 8 series are the first devices to ship with the latest Android 16 and Wear OS 6. Circle to Search Enhancements AI Integration: The Circle to Search tool, which allows users to circle, highlight, or tap on their screens to initiate web searches, is now integrated with Google’s AI Mode chatbot. This integration brings advanced reasoning capabilities and multimodal search support, enabling users to ask follow-up questions and explore deeper into their queries directly from the tool. How It Works: To use the new features, users need to long-press the home button or navigation bar and then select the area they want to search. If Google’s systems determine that an AI response would be beneficial, an AI Overview will appear in the search results. Users can then tap “dive deeper with AI Mode” at the bottom of the overview to continue the conversation and explore more detailed content about their query. Currently, AI Mode is available in the U.S. and India. Gaming Assistance: Another significant addition to Circle to Search is in-game help for mobile gamers. This feature, which was tested earlier this year, allows gamers to search for character information, strategies, and tutorials without closing their game. Users can find articles and videos that are timestamped to the exact moment they need assistance, making it easier to get unstuck and keep playing. Gemini Live Updates ** Samsung Collaboration:** Google and Samsung have collaborated to bring Gemini Live updates to Samsung devices. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the first to benefit with a new feature that supports camera-sharing on the external cover screen display. This allows the AI assistant to provide answers and insights based on what the camera is seeing, even when the phone is closed. ** App Integration:** Gemini Live is now integrated with several Samsung apps, including Calendar, Notes, and Reminders. This integration extends the AI assistant’s functionality, enabling users to interact with their data more effectively and receive context-specific help. Google plans to expand this support to apps from other device manufacturers in the future. ** Smartwatch Support:** Additionally, Gemini Live is rolling out to smartwatches running Wear OS 6, including devices from Google’s Pixel line, as well as those from OnePlus, OPPO, and Xiaomi. Samsung’s new Watch 8 series, comprising the Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and Watch Ultra (2025), will also support this feature. Users can now receive AI-driven assistance and notifications directly on their wrists, enhancing the utility of their smartwatches. Impact and Industry Reaction Industry insiders are excited about these updates, viewing them as significant steps forward in making AI more accessible and integrated into everyday smartphone and smartwatch use. The ability to perform multimodal searches without app switching is particularly praised for its potential to streamline user workflows and reduce friction in accessing information. Company Profiles: - Google: A tech giant known for its innovative search algorithms and AI technologies. Google is constantly pushing the boundaries of how users interact with information, aiming to make search more intuitive and efficient. - Samsung: A leading manufacturer of smartphones and wearable devices, partnering closely with Google to enhance its product lineup. Samsung’s Unpacked event is a major platform for launching new devices and demonstrating cutting-edge features. These advancements not only highlight the growing partnership between Google and Samsung but also underscore the broader trend of integrating AI into various aspects of user interaction, from gaming to everyday tasks. As these features become more widely available, they are expected to significantly impact user engagement and satisfaction across different platforms and devices.