Google launched Circle to Search (CtS) in January this year with the Galaxy S24 series smartphones. This feature allows you to search for anything on the screen by just drawing a circle around the object. The same month, Google introduced CtS on Pixel devices.
However, while CtS works even when you use applications in the split-screen mode on Galaxy device, that isn't the case on Pixel devices. But Google seems to be working on addressing that limitation with Android 15.
According to a new report, in the Android 15 beta on the Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel Launcher (the app that powers the home screen and apps drawer) has a flag, that, when enabled, allows you to use Circle to Search even when you are using applications in the split-screen mode, just like Galaxy smartphone and tablets.
Currently, there’s no info on Google's plans to offer this feature in the stable version of Android 15, but we hope that it does as it would be a very useful addition. Fortunately, Samsung smartphone and tablet owners don’t have to wait for it, and it is one of many examples why many people prefer One UI over stock Android.
As of April 2024, Circle to Search is available on the Galaxy S24 series, the Galaxy S23 series, the Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and the Galaxy Tab S9 lineup. In May, it will be coming to the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S21 lineups, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Flip 4, and the Galaxy Tab S8 series through the One UI 6.1 update.
