Google drops Lens shortcut from ‘Circle to Search’ feature

Circle to Search loses Google Lens shortcut: Google has removed the Google Lens icon from the Circle to Search feature, potentially streamlining the user interface but removing a convenient shortcut for users.

• The change was first noticed by 9to5Google and has now been widely rolled out to users.
• Previously, the Circle to Search UI included a text search field, Google app shortcut, voice search icon, Google Lens icon, song search button, and translation button.
• The updated UI now lacks the Google Lens icon, eliminating the two-step access to Google Lens from anywhere on the phone.

Impact on user experience: The removal of the Google Lens shortcut may affect how users interact with the Circle to Search feature and access visual search capabilities.

• Users will need to find alternative methods to access Google Lens, potentially increasing the number of steps required for visual searches.
• The change could be part of Google’s efforts to declutter the UI, but it may come at the cost of reduced functionality for some users.
• It remains unclear whether this change is permanent or if Google is testing user reactions to the modified interface.

Broader context: This update comes at a time when Circle to Search is expanding to new devices and potentially gaining new capabilities.

• HONOR phones were recently announced to be getting Circle to Search functionality, expanding the feature’s reach.
• An APK teardown last week revealed that Circle to Search might soon work on videos beyond YouTube, potentially increasing its utility across various apps and platforms.

User adaptation and alternatives: While the removal of the Google Lens shortcut may inconvenience some users, there are still ways to access visual search capabilities.

• Users can still access Google Lens through other means, such as the Google app or camera app, depending on their device.
• The remaining shortcuts in Circle to Search, including text search, voice search, and song recognition, are still available for quick access to various search functions.

Potential future developments: The removal of the Google Lens shortcut may be part of a larger strategy or temporary change by Google.

• There’s a possibility that this change could be reverted in the future if user feedback indicates strong demand for the Google Lens shortcut.
• Google may introduce new features or shortcuts to compensate for the removal of the Google Lens icon, potentially enhancing the overall functionality of Circle to Search.

Balancing simplicity and functionality: This update highlights the ongoing challenge tech companies face in balancing a clean, simple user interface with comprehensive functionality.

• The decision to remove the Google Lens shortcut may reflect Google’s assessment that streamlining the UI outweighs the convenience of quick access to this specific feature.
• User feedback and usage data in the coming weeks may influence whether Google maintains this change or reverts to the previous design.

Looking ahead: As Circle to Search continues to evolve, users and industry observers will be watching for further updates and potential new features.

• The possible expansion of Circle to Search functionality to work with videos beyond YouTube could significantly enhance its utility across various apps and platforms.
• Future updates may introduce new shortcuts or features to replace or augment the removed Google Lens functionality, potentially offering users even more powerful search capabilities.