What you need to know
- Google may introduce split-screen support for Circle to Search, allowing users to use the feature while running two apps side by side on Pixel phones.
- Mishaal Rahman discovered a mark in Android 15 Beta 1.2’s Pixel Launcher app that suggests Pixel phones could soon access Circle to Search in split-screen mode.
- The lack of Circle to Search support in split-screen mode only affects Pixels, excluding compatible Samsung phones, which seems unusual and could indicate a development error rather than an intentional limitation.
Google’s Pixel phones may offer split-screen support for Circle to Search, meaning you could soon use the feature while running two apps side by side on your screen.
Writing for Android Authority, Mishaal Rahman came across something interesting while delving into the Pixel Launcher app bundled with the Android 15 Beta 1.2 release. Android expert has discovered a flag that could allow Pixel phones to use Circle to Search while running apps in split-screen mode.
Circle to Search first debuted on the Galaxy S24 series before making its way to Google’s Pixel devices. It is gaining popularity among users who appreciate the quick and convenient way to search for information by simply circling on the screen.
Unlike Samsung phones with Circle to Search support, Pixel phones currently cannot use it in split-screen mode. It seems odd that Google is intentionally limiting Circle to searches on its own devices, suggesting it may be a bug that crept in during development.
Circle to Search is integrated into the Google app, Rahman points out. This means that switching Google’s default digital assistant to another service may cause the feature to stop working. At first it seemed that this limitation might be related to Android’s Assist API, but Rahman later discovered that this was not the case.
For Pixel owners who like multitasking but also want a quick search option, this Circle to Search issue was frustrating. Luckily, Android 15 is expected to release this fall, so Pixel users won’t have to wait too long to enjoy this handy new feature.
This improvement makes Circle to Search even more convenient and allows users to search for information without interrupting their multitasking routine when using two apps at the same time.
It was recently discovered that Circle to Search could soon get Copy Image and Share Image options as well. This means that by tapping Copy Image, you can copy the contents of Circle to Search and then edit them on your device.