Google’s Circle to Search is reportedly getting another new feature that will allow it to scan QR codes and barcodes. The artificial intelligence (AI) visual search feature, which debuted with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, will be able to scan any QR codes or barcodes visible on the screen and will display a chip that displays the URL of the destination website, as per the report. Namely, an earlier report claimed that Circle to Search will also get text-to-speech capabilities and will be able to read aloud a selected portion of the screen.
Circle to Search said it will get a QR code scanning feature
According to a report by Android Authority, Barcode and QR Code support in Circle to Search was first spotted in Google App v15.19.45.29.arm64 beta. However, that version could not be activated. Now the publication has managed to activate the feature in the Google app v15.25.32.
Circle to Search QR code and barcode scanner
Photo credit: Android Authority
In a short video, the report showed the new feature in action. On a screen where a barcode or QR code is visible, a long press on the Home button to activate the feature will automatically scan the screen for such codes. Once identified, it displays a chip next to codes that display part of the destination URL. The report also claims that the chip also displays a connection preview wherever it is available.
Interestingly, this feature appears to be taken from Google Lens, which can also scan QR codes and barcodes. Earlier this year, product manager Erin Lynch and director of product management Alistair Pott, who worked with the team that built Circle to Search, said in an interview that they confirmed some of Circle to Search’s features use Google Lens capabilities.
The duo also said they are trying to further integrate the two products. This feature could be part of that. Once the visual search feature is introduced, it can make searching for QR codes more convenient. In addition, the feature will also offer additional security for users by displaying the destination before the user scans it.
Currently, the feature is not visible and beta testers will not be able to try it. There’s no word on when the tech giant might release the feature.
