Chrome for desktop may soon get its own version of Circle to Search; here’s what we know

One of the most talked-about features on Android smartphones this year has been Google’s Circle to Search. The feature first debuted on the Samsung Galaxy S24 series of flagship smartphones, along with Pixel devices of course, in January this year. Just recently, a few developers even created a (crude) version of it for the iPhone, in the form of a shortcut.

However, it now seems that Chrome for desktop will be getting its own version of the feature as well. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Circle to Search?

Before we go ahead though, let’s take a look at just what Circle to Search is, and how it works. Circle to Search is essentially an extension of Google Search that allows you to search for anything on your smartphone’s screen without having to switch apps.

ALSO READ: What is Circle to Search, Google’s most fun way to look things up till date?

Hold the home button on your Android smartphone to trigger the feature. Now, all you have to do is circle any object or text on the screen with your finger or a compatible stylus. Here, a small section pops up from the bottom, which gives you any information available on what’s in the circle, for quick and easy reference.

Circle to Search for desktop: What we know so far

Coming back to Circle to Search for Desktop, a post on X (Formerly Twitter) by tipster Leopeva64 mentions how Google has been working on a Circle to Search functionality for the Chrome desktop app since around March.

A leaked demo video shows that you can click a lens icon in the toolbar, with which the cursor turns into a cross-shaped reticle with a camera icon. Then, you can click and drag it over whatever’s on your screen. A window will slide from the right, which displays search results relevant to whoever’s in the circled area.

The only catch is though, you can’t circle stuff per se. Chrome for Desktop has a rigid rectangular shape with which you can select and highlight whatever’s on the screen. However, what’s cool is, that everything else besides the parts of the screen you select does become blurred, giving you a clear view of whatever’s in the box.

ALSO READ: These smartphones and tablets will get Google’s Circle to Search in the coming days

Bear in mind, it is still unknown when the feature will be rolled out, as the demo video shows that it’s still a work in progress. However, as and when it does, it could make running Google searches on your laptops and desktops a much easier, quicker, and streamlined process.

Circle to Search vs Google Lens for desktop: What’s different?

The feature is essentially an extension of a Google Lens feature already available on Chrome for desktop. Earlier, you could drag a picture onto Google Images to look up whatever was inside, or you could tap on an option that said “Search image with Google” within a picture’s context menu, and have the results show up on the side. However, you had to open a separate window for the same, and you couldn’t select specific parts of the image to search for either.