Google enhances Search and Maps with new Circle to Search features and redesigned tools
Top 3 Key Points:
- Circle to Search Expands: Google Lens in Chrome is set to gain new features similar to Circle to Search on mobile.
- Google Search Tools Update: The stopwatch and timer tools on Google Search have been visually revamped for better usability.
- Google Maps Pin Redesign: Google Maps introduces new pin shapes and colors for a cleaner and more consistent look.
Google is rolling out several updates to its popular tools, enhancing both the Circle to Search (CtS) feature and making visual improvements to Google Search and Google Maps.
Circle to Search (CtS) Expands to Chrome
Google’s Circle to Search (CtS) has been one of the most significant updates of the year. Initially launched on the Pixel 8 series, CtS has gradually been introduced to other devices. This feature allows users to highlight elements on their screen to perform searches, with added capabilities like instant translation, barcode scanning, and music identification.
Recently, Google has been working to integrate similar functionality into Chrome via Google Lens. The Lens tool, accessible directly from the address bar, lets users select and search for images or text on their screen. While it currently offers basic search results and text translation, Google is reportedly developing a feature that will allow users to save or share their circled search queries as images, similar to the mobile CtS experience. This update, highlighted by Chrome researcher @Leopeva64 on X (formerly Twitter), suggests that Chrome users will soon have an even more robust search tool at their fingertips.
Google Search Timer and Stopwatch Redesigned
Google has also revamped the built-in timer and stopwatch tools on its Search platform. The timer now features a light blue background that stands out against the white search results page, with quick shortcuts to add time in increments of 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 5 minutes. The stopwatch, on the other hand, now has a circular indicator and a yellow background when paused, mirroring the design of Android’s Clock app. These updates are designed to enhance usability, particularly on desktops, where these tools are most commonly used.
Google Maps Introduces New Pin Designs
In addition to search enhancements, Google Maps is rolling out redesigned pins with new shapes and colors. The traditional pin shape has been replaced with a shorter, more rounded design that features a white background and an inner circle icon. Some pins, like those for museums, have also changed colors, shifting from teal to purple, while others have received subtler tweaks. These changes, which are already visible on Android, iOS, and the web, aim to provide a more streamlined and visually appealing experience.
With these updates, Google continues to refine its tools, making them more intuitive and visually cohesive for users across its platforms.
Key Points:
- Google Calendar is coming to the New Tab Page in Chrome for Workspace users.
- Circle to Search is expanding to more Android devices, including Xiaomi 14T.
- Chrome is getting other new features for enterprise users.
Google Calendar on Chrome’s New Tab Page:
Google Workspace users will soon see their Google Calendar on the New Tab Page in Chrome. This will make it easier to see upcoming meetings and join them quickly. You’ll also see your daily schedule below the calendar.
Circle to Search Expanding to More Devices:
Circle to Search, a feature that lets you search by drawing circles around objects in your photos, is expanding to more Android devices. This feature was previously limited to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, but now it’s coming to Tecno and Xiaomi devices.
Other Chrome Updates:
Chrome is also getting other new features for enterprise users, such as a new sign-in flow that provides more transparency and a feature that lets admins set site shortcuts.
These updates are all designed to make it easier for businesses to use Chrome and Google Workspace.
YouTube is making content creation easier and more fun with new AI features.
- AI-powered video backgrounds: Create stunning visuals for your Shorts videos with Google’s Veo AI model.
- AI-powered video ideas: Get inspiration for your next video with YouTube Studio’s AI-powered brainstorming tool.
- AI-powered comments: Quickly respond to your viewers with AI-suggested replies.
YouTube is adding more AI features to help creators make better videos. One of the biggest announcements is the integration of Veo, a powerful AI model, into YouTube Shorts. This means you can create high-quality backgrounds and even short video clips using just a few words.
Imagine being able to describe a scene, like “a bustling city street at sunset,” and having Veo instantly generate a visually stunning background for your Short. Or, perhaps you need a quick clip to transition between two scenes; Veo can create a short video that perfectly fits your needs.
Another exciting feature is the new AI-powered brainstorming tool in YouTube Studio. This tool can suggest video ideas based on your channel’s history and what’s popular on YouTube. It’s like having a creative assistant that always has fresh ideas.
For example, if you’ve been creating cooking videos, the tool might suggest ideas like “Vegan cooking hacks” or “Quick and easy weeknight meals.” Or, if you’re a gaming channel, it could suggest ideas like “Top 5 new games to try” or “Let’s play a classic game.”
YouTube is also working on AI-powered comments. This feature will suggest replies to comments, making it easier for creators to engage with their audience.
For example, if a viewer leaves a comment saying “Great video!” the AI might suggest a reply like “Thanks for watching!” Or, if a viewer asks a question, the AI could suggest a helpful answer based on the video’s content.
These new AI features are making YouTube an even more powerful platform for creators. By automating tasks like background creation and idea generation, creators can spend more time focusing on what they do best: creating great content.
Key points:
- Android 15 QPR1 Beta introduces a new navigation bar key for quick keyboard switching.
- This allows for faster switching between multiple keyboard apps and languages.
- The feature is currently being tested and is expected to become standard on Google Pixel devices in December.
Android users will soon experience a significant improvement in keyboard switching. A new feature being tested in Android 15 QPR1 Beta introduces a dedicated key on the navigation bar that allows for rapid switching between different keyboard apps and languages.
Imagine having the ability to seamlessly switch between multiple keyboards without navigating through settings or menus. This new key, visually represented as a globe, provides a direct and intuitive way to change keyboards on the fly. Whether you need to switch between different languages or prefer different keyboard apps for specific tasks, this feature offers a convenient solution.
For example, if you have multiple languages enabled and use both Gboard and SwiftKey, you can quickly toggle between them by pressing the new key. This eliminates the need for extra steps and ensures a smooth typing experience.
While this feature is currently in beta testing, it’s expected to become a standard part of Android 15 QPR1, which is scheduled to be released on Google Pixel devices in December. This means that many Android users will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of faster and more efficient keyboard switching.
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