Google introduced Circle to Search earlier this year, a feature available on the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 series that allows users to circle, highlight, or tap objects on their Android display and search for them on Google. This feature is exclusive to Android, but there is a workaround for iPhone users. By creating a shortcut using the Google app, iPhone users can take a screenshot and trigger Google Lens’ visual search feature to search for the highlighted object, similar to how Circle to Search works.
The process of creating the Circle to Search alternative on an iPhone involves downloading the Google app and creating a shortcut using the Shortcuts app. This shortcut takes a screenshot of the iPhone display and runs Google Lens’ visual search feature. iPhone users with the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max can use the Action button to trigger the shortcut, while users with older models can utilize the Back Tap feature. The shortcut sends the screenshot to the Google app, which then provides Google search results based on the highlighted object.
Although the workaround for using a feature similar to Circle to Search on an iPhone is not as seamless as the original feature on Android, it provides a way for iPhone users to quickly search for objects using visual search. This workaround is faster than manually uploading a photo to the Google app and running it through the visual search feature. Additionally, Siri can be used to run the shortcut by voice command, making it more convenient for iPhone users. Overall, this workaround offers iPhone users a way to access a similar search feature to Circle to Search on their devices.
The Circle to Search alternative on an iPhone allows users to quickly search for objects by taking a screenshot and using Google Lens’ visual search feature. This eliminates the need to manually upload photos to the Google app for searching purposes. The shortcut created on iPhone provides users with Google search results based on the highlighted object, making it convenient and efficient for users who want to identify objects or search for products using visual search technology.
In conclusion, Google’s introduction of Circle to Search on Android devices prompted the development of a workaround for iPhone users to access a similar search feature. By creating a shortcut using the Google app, iPhone users can trigger Google Lens’ visual search feature to search for highlighted objects on their device. This workaround offers iPhone users a fast and efficient way to search for objects using visual search technology, providing a convenient alternative to the original feature on Android devices.
