Samsung’s August 2024 Security Update brings Circle to Search to these Galaxy Devices
Samsung unveiled that they will integrate the most anticipated Circle to Search AI feature from Google Pixel phones. While a bunch of Galaxy phones already received Circle to Search, many were left wondering whether the mid-range and budget devices will receive them or not; especially the A-series and Galaxy S21 FE.
Here’s good news that Circle to Search will come to several A-series phones, Galaxy Tab SE and even the Galaxy S21 FE. Samsung officially expands Circle to Search to Galaxy A Series and Galaxy Tab S9 FE Series. Circle to Search will be updated in the upcoming August 2024 Security patch.
However, the fan favorite Galaxy S21 FE users felt betrayed, as they did not receive the new Circle to Search update which was supposed to come with One UI 6 firmware itself. According to reports, the August update will also bring Circle to Search to the S21 FE — both Snapdragon and Exynos variants. Not sure about the 4G variant.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE update with Circle to Search featured in August 2024 security patch.
What is Circle to Search?
Circle to Search is a new AI feature for Android phones that lets you search anything on your screen without switching apps. It lets you Circle, Highlight, Scribble, or Tap whatever you’re curious about on your screen to learn more.
Consider this scenario: intrigued by a creator’s fashion choices in a social post, Circle to Search allows you to delve into similar options and make purchases without leaving your current app. No longer will you need to interrupt your experience by switching between apps. This innovation extends beyond visual searches; you can also pose complex questions about items using generative AI, obtaining nuanced information from across the web.
In order to access it, go to any image or video, just long press the home button to invoke Circle to search. From there, you can select any item like these sunglasses, to quickly uncover similar options and where to buy them without leaving where you are. You could also scribble an object like shoes or a bag to see what that is.
Circle to Search is not confined to images or texts; it extends its functionality to videos as well. Imagine watching a captivating video on YouTube shorts and spotting an intriguing item. With a simple long press and a circular gesture, you can explore various options and learn more about it.
How to activate Circle To Search?
The Circle to Search popup is appearing on many Android phones. Most features from Google are server side switch, this isn’t an exception. But we got the popup to activate it.
The popup was triggered when I launched the Google app. I was greeted with two options — See how and Not now. Clicking the See how option leads to a new window to try it out. It asks you to press the home button for long.
However, nothing happens because the additional files or software required for feature to work will be released with August 2024 security patch.
New List of Samsung phones receiving Circle to Search
Samsung is finally releasing Circle to search to several A-series devices and even the Galaxy S21 FE.
- Galaxy Tab S9 FE
- Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
- Galaxy S21 FE
- Galaxy A55,
- Galaxy A54,
- Galaxy A35
- Galaxy A34
Circle to Search from the Galaxy S24 already confirmed for the following devices.
- Galaxy S24 Series
- Galaxy S23
- Galaxy S23+
- Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S22
- Galaxy S21
- Galaxy S21 +
- Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Galaxy S23 FE
- Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Galaxy Z Flip 5
- Galaxy Tab S9
Stay tuned for the most anticipated One UI 6.1.1 firmware as it comes with new AI features. Samsung won’t be releasing One UI 6.1.1 with August update, though. So maybe next month.
