HomeGoogle Expands Android's Circle to Search with AI and Gaming Enhancements
Google is enhancing Android's Circle to Search and Gemini Live tools with new AI capabilities. Announced alongside the launch of Samsung's latest Galaxy foldables, this update brings advanced Gemini Live functionality to Samsung devices and integrates Google's search-focused AI Mode chatbot directly into Circle to Search.
AI Mode first appeared in Google Search earlier this year, offering a conversational chatbot alternative to traditional search results. While still limited in availability—having just expanded to India outside the US—Google confirms it can now be activated through Circle to Search on compatible Pixel and Samsung phones, enabling users to search content on their screen without leaving their current app.
"Simply long-press the home button or navigation bar, then circle, tap, or highlight what you want to search. When an AI-generated answer is most relevant, an AI Overview will appear in your results," Google explained in a blog post. "From there, scroll to the bottom and select 'dive deeper with AI Mode' to ask follow-up questions and explore your visual search further."
Circle to Search now also offers in-game assistance for mobile gamers, building on a feature Google began testing in January. This allows players to look up character details or strategy guides without exiting the game, and even find timestamped articles or videos matching the exact moment they need help. Google also noted that AI Mode will soon be available in Lens via the Google app on both Android and iOS.
The newly unveiled Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Watch 8 series—debuted at Samsung's Unpacked event—are the first devices to ship with Android 16 and Wear OS 6 preinstalled. Leveraging this partnership, Google has introduced a Gemini Live upgrade for the Flip 7 that enables camera-sharing support on the external cover display. This lets the AI assistant respond to queries based on what it "sees" without needing to open the phone.
The latest Galaxy Z Flip clamshell can now run Gemini camera features on the cover display. Image: GoogleGemini Live is now integrated into Samsung apps like Calendar, Notes, and Reminders, with support for other manufacturers' apps coming soon. Finally, Gemini is gradually rolling out to Wear OS 6 smartwatches, including models from Pixel, OnePlus, OPPO, Xiaomi, and Samsung’s new Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and Watch Ultra (2025) series.
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Google is enhancing Android's Circle to Search and Gemini Live tools with new AI capabilities. Announced alongside the launch of Samsung's latest Galaxy foldables, this update brings advanced Gemini Live functionality to Samsung devices and integrates Google's search-focused AI Mode chatbot directly into Circle to Search.
AI Mode first appeared in Google Search earlier this year, offering a conversational chatbot alternative to traditional search results. While still limited in availability—having just expanded to India outside the US—Google confirms it can now be activated through Circle to Search on compatible Pixel and Samsung phones, enabling users to search content on their screen without leaving their current app.
"Simply long-press the home button or navigation bar, then circle, tap, or highlight what you want to search. When an AI-generated answer is most relevant, an AI Overview will appear in your results," Google explained in a blog post. "From there, scroll to the bottom and select 'dive deeper with AI Mode' to ask follow-up questions and explore your visual search further."
Circle to Search now also offers in-game assistance for mobile gamers, building on a feature Google began testing in January. This allows players to look up character details or strategy guides without exiting the game, and even find timestamped articles or videos matching the exact moment they need help. Google also noted that AI Mode will soon be available in Lens via the Google app on both Android and iOS.
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Gemini Live is now integrated into Samsung apps like Calendar, Notes, and Reminders, with support for other manufacturers' apps coming soon. Finally, Gemini is gradually rolling out to Wear OS 6 smartwatches, including models from Pixel, OnePlus, OPPO, Xiaomi, and Samsung’s new Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and Watch Ultra (2025) series.
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