Circle to Search initially only on Google and Samsung phones
With the announcement of the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung also introduced a variety of AI features. This also includes the Circle to Search function, which Samsung developed in collaboration with Google. The day after the Samsung Unpacked event, Google introduced the new feature for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro and has since rolled it out.
But anyone who expected Circle to Search to come to their Android phone from another manufacturer will be disappointed at first. According to Samsung itself, Circle to Search will be available exclusively for Google phones and Samsung devices until at least October.
Here is the exact wording from Samsung’s Dutch branch:
“Circle to Search may become available on Android devices from other brands from 5 October 2024, but there are no active developments underway for this.”
Samsung Netherlands
Of course, this is a lot of crap for users, to say the least, and sounds a lot like gatekeeping. Plus, it’s hard to assume that buyers will buy a Galaxy S24 or a Pixel 8 just because of Circle to Search.
In the past, Google and Samsung had already kept the latest version of Wear OS under wraps specifically for their smartwatches. In addition, the question arises as to what Google’s other partners among Android device manufacturers think about it.
