Google expands Circle to Search with AI Mode and gaming support

Google is expanding Android’s Circle to Search feature with new AI capabilities and gaming assistance, alongside updates to Gemini Live for foldable devices. The enhancements integrate Google’s AI Mode chatbot directly into Circle to Search and introduce camera-sharing support for Samsung’s latest foldable phones, marking a significant step toward more seamless AI-powered mobile experiences.

What you should know: Circle to Search now includes AI Mode integration, allowing users to access Google’s chatbot-style search without switching apps.

• Users can “long press the home button or navigation bar, then circle, tap, or gesture on what you want to search,” with AI Overviews appearing when most helpful.
• The feature enables follow-up questions by tapping “dive deeper with AI Mode” at the bottom of search results.
• AI Mode previously debuted in Google Search earlier this year and recently launched in India outside the US.

Gaming gets smarter: Circle to Search now provides in-game assistance for mobile gamers, a feature Google tested in January.

• Players can find character and strategy information without closing their games.
• The tool locates articles and videos timestamped to the exact moment where assistance is needed.
• This addresses a common pain point for mobile gamers who previously had to exit games to search for help.

Foldable-first features: Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Flip 7 receives exclusive Gemini Live camera-sharing support for its external cover screen.

• The AI assistant can answer questions about what it “sees” through the camera without users opening the phone.
• This functionality leverages the unique dual-screen design of Samsung’s foldable devices.
• The Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, and Watch 8 series are the first devices shipping with Android 16 and Wear OS 6.

Expanding ecosystem: Gemini Live integrations are rolling out to Samsung apps and smartwatches running Wear OS 6.

• Samsung Calendar, Notes, and Reminders now support Gemini Live functionality.
• Support for apps from other device manufacturers will follow Samsung’s initial integration.
• Gemini is becoming available on smartwatches from Pixel, OnePlus, OPPO, Xiaomi, and Samsung’s new Watch 8 series.

What’s next: Google plans to bring AI Mode to Lens via the Google app for both Android and iOS devices, expanding the feature’s reach beyond Circle to Search.