Circle to Search: Now on Pixel 8 & 8 Pro! Goodbye, Galaxy S24 Exclusivity?

In a surprising turn of events, Google has rolled out its highly anticipated Circle to Search feature on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, challenging the notion that Samsung's Galaxy S24 would exclusively boast this cutting-edge functionality. 

Image Credit - SiliconeANGLE

The move has left tech enthusiasts questioning the presumed exclusivity of this feature for the Galaxy S24 family.

Google's Circle to Search, initially overshadowed by Samsung's Galaxy S24 announcement, quietly made its debut just a day after the Korean tech giant unveiled its AI-packed flagship. 

Now, as of January 31, users are reporting the seamless availability of Circle to Search on both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. 

Interestingly, this implementation doesn't require a firmware update but appears to be a server-side switch, making it a virtually instantaneous addition for users.

If you're a Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro user, there's no need to look for explicit notifications. Reports flooding Reddit suggest that the feature is now active, waiting to be explored. However, the silent release has led some to speculate whether this is another one of Google's trademark staged rollouts.

Circle to Search stands out with its user-friendly approach. Activating the feature is as simple as a long press on the navigation bar, allowing users to effortlessly circle and highlight items on their screen. 

Google's Pixel 8 Gets New “Circle to Search” Feature ✨

Google is bringing some exciting AI capabilities to Pixel 8 devices today. The new "Circle to Search" feature lets you easily search and get info on things you see in apps without leaving what you're doing. pic.twitter.com/8w7jp8xN5k

— Gina Acosta (@ginacostag_) February 1, 2024

Notably, it surpasses Google Lens in terms of speed and ease of use, while leveraging the same powerful backend for multimodal search queries that support both text and images.

This unexpected move by Google raises questions about the assumed exclusivity Samsung may have intended for Circle to Search on the Galaxy S24. 

As users now revel in the feature on Pixel devices, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the ongoing competition between these tech giants.

In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphone innovation, it's clear that what starts as an exclusive feature for one device may not remain exclusive for long. 

With the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro stepping into the Circle to Search arena, users can now enjoy a seamless and efficient search experience, emphasizing the competitive nature of the tech industry. 

As the battle for user loyalty continues, the true winner emerges – the consumer. Goodbye, Galaxy S24 exclusivity; say hello to broader accessibility and choice in the world of smartphone features.