Android 15 will reportedly make it easier for users to access Google’s Circle to Search feature on devices with larger screens, such as tablets. The visual search feature debuted in January exclusively with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, but was later rolled out to more Android devices. The latest Android 15 Beta 3 that was unveiled on Tuesday makes it much easier to access the Circle to Search function via the action key on the Google Pixel tablet.
The Pixel Tablet is getting a new Circle to Search shortcut on Android 15
According to a report by Android Authority, the latest Android 15 Beta 3 update brings support for Circle to Search action keys on the Google Pixel tablet. Users can choose between two different taskbar styles: transient and persistent, the latter of which provides access to Circle to Search.
Currently, users can invoke the Circle to Search option by touching and holding the navigation pane. After the Android 15 Beta 3 update, a new pop-up window reportedly appears when you swipe up on the taskbar in a persistent style. A notification appears that says, “Touch and hold the action key to search for content on your screen.”
Action button support for Circle to Search
Photo credit: Mishaal Rahman/Android Authority
Alternatively, the report suggests that Google’s Circle to Search feature can also be activated when using the pass-through style taskbar.
In addition to this feature, Google is also reportedly developing the ability to invoke Circle to Search when using split-screen mode. The feature is said to be spotted in the Pixel Launcher beta app after the Android 15 update.
Circle to search for new features
Google’s AI-powered visual search feature is reported to be getting several new features, such as reading content aloud, hinting at potential text-to-speech capabilities. This feature was discovered during the removal of Google beta app v15.20.36.29 APK.
Two other features — Listen and Select All — could also be taken from Google Lens and brought into Circle to Search, the report suggests. On Lens, ‘Listen’ reads highlighted text aloud, while ‘Select All’ highlights text visible in the image or in the camera’s viewfinder.
