After the ‘Share’ feature, Circle to Search on your Galaxy phone just got another handy upgrade. The AI tool can now automatically scan barcodes and QR codes. The new functionality makes it easier to quickly access information from QR codes and barcodes in images and web pages.
Circle to Search can now scan barcodes and QR codes
Circle to Search is an AI-powered Google feature. Debuted on the Galaxy S24 series, it was initially a search too. You can circle any object or text on the screen to quickly run a Google search for it. No need to open the Google app to reverse-search an image or copy-paste/type out your search query. You don’t even need to exit the current app.
Google recently added a Share button to the Circle to Search overlay. It lets you share the selected portion of the screen as an image file without grabbing a screenshot and cropping it. Additionally, the company is developing a music search function that listens to music playing on the device or nearby and identifies it. It also identifies the song if you hum its track.
While the music search function is still in development, Circle to Search is now picking up barcode and QR code scanning capability. If the selected portion of the screen contains a barcode or QR code, the AI tool will automatically scan it and show you the information it contains. This is another handy expansion of Circle to Search’s capabilities.
Google has been working on this function for several months. It was first spotted in May. A public rollout began recently. We can confirm its availability on multiple Galaxy devices running different versions of the Google app. The company appears to be enabling the tool via a server-side update. You should receive it in the coming days if you haven’t already.
Sumit is passionate about technology and has been professionally writing on tech since 2017. He’s a mathematics graduate by education and enjoys teaching basic mathematics tricks to school kids in his spare time. Sumit believes in artificial intelligence and dreams of a fully open, intelligent and connected world.
