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One of the most popular features to arrive on Android in recent years could soon get a few tweaks. Android Authority recently discovered the changes to Circle to Search in the Google app, v16.0.7.
One of the upcoming changes to Circle to Search is a new feature that will assist users while playing games. This feature, called “Get Game Help,” is activated by a new chip. It quickly initiates a Google search with the phrase: “Get help with this game.”
Here’s the new feature in practice:
Circle to Search will also introduce a new animation playing when you enter and exit the tool. When Circle to Search is activated on the phone, the search bar expands from a pill shape at the bottom of the screen. Once the search is finished, the search bar shrinks back into a pill-shaped “G” icon. The upcoming version will feature the search bar gliding up when a search is initiated and then smoothly returning to the bottom of the screen upon entry and exit.
Check out the demo below.
The graphics look a lot like how Apple’s Siri works in iOS 18, no?
Finally, Circle to Search is expected to feature three themes for the Search bar: a standard white background, a new color-matched palette, and a translucent background.
Google first announced Circle to Search in January 2024. Initially, it was exclusive to the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 8 series. Since then, the feature has gradually rolled out to more devices, including older Pixel models and many other handsets.
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When the changes to Circle to Search will launch is currently unknown.
