Google’s Circle to Search feature, which first launched earlier this year on Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series, is now available on desktop computers through Chrome.
Users on ChromeOS and those using Chrome on Windows or macOS can take advantage of this feature, though it comes with a couple of conditions.
Currently, the feature is accessible through the ChromeOS 127 beta build and the Chrome 128 beta versions for Windows and macOS. Interestingly, it isn’t labeled as “Circle to Search” but is instead branded as “Search with Google Lens.”
For those participating in the beta programs, the process to use this feature is straightforward. On Windows or macOS, you can find “Search with Google Lens” by clicking on the three-dot menu in Chrome. From there, you can select an area on your screen (circle it, if you like) to receive instant results in a side panel. On ChromeOS, simply use the Google Lens icon located in the address bar for similar functionality.
Google’s release notes for Chrome 128 beta describe the feature as a powerful tool for searching content directly from your screen. Whether you’re looking to find information within a video, a slide from a livestream, or an image on a webpage, Google Lens allows you to search and get answers right in your tab, so you can keep browsing without interruption.
The feature is expected to become widely available once Chrome 128 for Windows and macOS and ChromeOS 127 move from beta to the stable release. At that point, all users will be able to access Circle to Search, regardless of the name under which Google officially markets it.
As Google prepares to roll out the Circle to Search feature more broadly, users can anticipate enhanced search capabilities on their desktops. The transition from beta to stable versions will allow a wider audience to leverage the feature, integrating Google Lens’ powerful search functionality into everyday browsing. This advancement signifies a continued push by Google to enhance user experience and streamline access to information across various platforms.