While Circle to Search was initially released for Android devices, many iPhone users wondered if they would ever have the opportunity to utilize this innovative feature. Although Google did not give any definitive answers, it appears that they have found a clever workaround to bring Circle to Search to iPhones.
Instead of directly circling an item on the screen like on Android, Google has developed a shortcut that utilizes the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro models. When pressed, the Action button takes a screenshot, which is then sent to Google Lens via the Google app. This shortcut essentially functions as Circle to Search, but with a faster process.
However, for iPhone users who do not have the iPhone 15 Pro model, there is still a way to enable Circle to Search through a different shortcut. By utilizing the Back Tap gesture, users can configure their iPhone settings to activate the Circle to Search feature. Simply go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch, select either Double Tap or Triple Tap, choose a shortcut from the Shortcuts area, and tap Back Tap to apply the setting. From there, you can double-tap or triple-tap the back of your phone to initiate the shortcut.
Once the Circle to Search shortcut is enabled, you can take screenshots of your iPhone display and share them with Google Lens via the Google app. This allows you to perform a search using visual cues or even add a text query to refine your search.
While there is no guarantee that Google will officially bring Circle to Search to iPhones, there are indications that Apple may be developing a similar feature. Apple already offers iPhone users a Visual Look Up tool that provides information about objects in an image. With the upcoming WWDC event, there is anticipation that Apple may introduce their own version of a visual search feature, possibly comparable to Circle to Search.
In the meantime, iPhone users can take advantage of the available shortcuts to experience the benefits of Circle to Search. Whether Google expands the feature officially or Apple introduces their own version, the future of visual search on iPhones seems promising.
FAQs about Circle to Search on iPhones:
Q: What is Circle to Search?
A: Circle to Search is a feature developed by Google that allows users to perform a search using visual cues. It was initially released for Android devices but is now available on iPhones as well.
Q: How does Circle to Search work on iPhones?
A: On iPhones, Circle to Search is enabled through a shortcut using the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro models. Pressing the Action button takes a screenshot, which is then sent to Google Lens via the Google app.
Q: Can iPhone users without the iPhone 15 Pro model use Circle to Search?
A: Yes, iPhone users without the iPhone 15 Pro model can still enable Circle to Search using a different shortcut. By configuring their iPhone settings using the Back Tap gesture, users can activate the Circle to Search feature. The steps to set it up are: go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch, select Double Tap or Triple Tap, choose a shortcut from the Shortcuts area, and tap Back Tap to apply the setting. Then, double-tap or triple-tap the back of the phone to initiate the shortcut.
Q: What can I do with Circle to Search enabled on iPhones?
A: With Circle to Search enabled, you can take screenshots of your iPhone display and share them with Google Lens via the Google app. This allows you to perform a search using visual cues or add a text query to refine your search.
Q: Is there any indication that Apple may develop a similar feature?
A: Yes, there are indications that Apple may be developing a similar feature. Apple already offers iPhone users a Visual Look Up tool that provides information about objects in an image. With an upcoming event called WWDC, it is anticipated that Apple may introduce their own version of a visual search feature, possibly comparable to Circle to Search.
Q: What is the future of visual search on iPhones?
A: While there is no guarantee that Google will officially bring Circle to Search to iPhones, the available shortcuts allow iPhone users to experience the benefits of Circle to Search. Additionally, with Apple potentially developing their own visual search feature, the future of visual search on iPhones appears promising.
Key Terms:
– Circle to Search: A feature developed by Google that allows users to perform a search using visual cues.
– Google Lens: A visual search engine developed by Google that enables users to search using images.
– Shortcut: A quicker way to access a specific feature or perform a task on a device.
– Action button: The button on iPhone 15 Pro models that can be used to initiate certain actions.
– Back Tap: A gesture on iPhones that allows users to perform actions by tapping the back of the phone.
Related Links:
– Google
– Apple