Google’s Gemini assistant has introduced a new feature called Circle Screen, allowing users to draw a circle around any portion of their screen and instantly send that selection to Gemini for analysis. Unlike traditional Circle to Search, this tool integrates visual queries directly into an AI conversation, providing richer, more interactive results.
How Circle Screen Works
Activate Gemini by swiping from the corner, then circle, scribble, or tap on any screen area—whether text, images, videos, or even math problems. Gemini starts a conversational thread based on your selection, allowing follow-up questions like “What brand is this jacket?” or “Find cheaper alternatives.” You can refine requests and compare options within the same AI dialogue.
Activation and User Experience
Circle Screen is accessed through the Gemini overlay via a corner swipe, differing from Circle to Search’s long-press on the home button. This seamless integration keeps all visual queries contained within Gemini, making it a natural extension for users familiar with the assistant.
Rolling Out and Device Support
Circle Screen is appearing on select Android devices, including newer Samsung models, while some Pixel users have yet to receive it. Its rollout is server-side and may depend on region, app version, and user account settings. Keeping the Google app, Play Services, and Gemini updated increases the chance of access.
The Shift Toward Multimodal Conversational AI
Circle Screen represents Google’s move from standalone search results to multimodal, conversational assistance. Instead of linking to web pages, Gemini can summarize information, translate on-screen text, compare products, and outline next steps—all within one ongoing conversation powered by models like Gemini 1.5.
Complementing Existing Visual Search Tools
Circle Screen complements rather than replaces Circle to Search and Google Lens, which still handle billions of visual queries monthly. This new feature reframes visual search by bringing deeper reasoning, comparisons, and creativity into Gemini’s conversational environment.
Privacy and Screen Sharing Considerations
When you circle a screen area, a cropped image is sent to Gemini for processing. Depending on your settings, this can happen locally or via the cloud. To protect sensitive data, users should hide notifications or private content before sharing. Organizations can disable screen region sharing to maintain data privacy.
What Circle Screen Means for Users
Circle Screen signals Google’s vision to embed intelligent visual search directly into Gemini. Though not universally available yet, early adopters are experiencing a more fluid way to interact with screen content that turns simple searches into dynamic AI conversations.
