Google is once again testing a redesigned interface for its Circle to Search feature, a tool that leverages artificial intelligence for visual lookups. Since its launch in early 2024, the feature has gone through several design changes, with each iteration adding new functionalities to enhance user experience. The latest update seems to simplify the interface, making it more intuitive and easier for users to navigate through its various features. Notably, the redesigned version removes the Google Lens icon that was present in previous iterations of the Circle to Search UI, signaling a shift in how the tool is integrated with other Google services.
Reports from 9to5Google suggest that this new design is currently being tested within the latest version of the Google app. However, the update is not yet widely available, with only a select group of users able to access it at this time. In fact, staff members at Gadgets 360 were unable to view the redesigned interface on any of their devices, indicating that the rollout may be limited. Based on images shared by the publication, the new design appears to streamline the user interface by incorporating a full-screen panel that slides up as a single element when the Circle to Search feature is activated.
This change represents a departure from the earlier versions of the feature, where a pill-shaped text field would initially appear before the full-screen translucent panel slid into view. The new approach makes the process of interacting with the tool more seamless, with a smoother transition between actions. Additionally, the icons for exiting the interface and accessing the overflow menu (represented by a vertical ellipsis) are now enclosed within circular shapes, further simplifying the visual experience.
As the test progresses, it’s likely that Google will continue to refine the design to improve both functionality and aesthetics. The ultimate goal seems to be creating a more user-friendly experience for those utilizing the Circle to Search feature, and with the removal of the Google Lens icon, it may signal a shift towards consolidating Google’s AI and search capabilities into a more cohesive, streamlined interface.
