Google's Circle to Search update enhances long-press activation & vibration feedback
Circle to Search is one of the best new features released for Android devices in recent years. This feature is receiving a noteworthy software update that should make it easier for users to be aware of the tool.
As 9to5Google notes, a new software update rolling out adds a more prominent vibration pattern when Circle to Search is activated.
It explains: 'Upon long-pressing on the Android gesture handle, you'll notice a more forceful vibration. These haptics leave no doubt that you're activating CtS, which might help reduce accidental triggers.'
The changes are currently part of the Google app release version 16.4.36. However, it's only accessible on Pixel devices like the Pixel 9 Pro. It's assumed other Android phones will pick up the feature in the coming days.
In recent weeks, Google has made a few changes to the Circle to Search interface. It now includes the search bar, song lookup, and translate shortcut in the tool's pill-shaped container. There's also a new feature that assists users when playing games. Called 'Get Game Help,' a new chip activates it and quickly initiates a Google search with the phrase: 'Get help with this game.' Other new features include color adjustments, animation changes, and more.
Circle to Search is a helpful feature available on select Android devices that allows you to search for anything directly on your screen without switching apps. To use this feature, first activate it in your phone's settings and make sure the necessary permissions are granted.
To initiate a search, long-press the home button (if using three-button navigation) or the navigation handle (if using gesture navigation). This action will open the Google Search bar. From there, you can circle, highlight, scribble, or tap on any part of the image, video, or text you want to search for. The search results will then appear at the bottom of your screen.
You can refine your search by adding text to the search bar. The feature also includes useful shortcuts for translating content on your screen or identifying music. Circle to Search integrates smoothly with your phone's interface, providing a quick and efficient way to explore and learn more about your viewing content.
When it first launched, Circle to Search was only available on newer Google Pixel devices and the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. It has been arriving on other Android devices over the past few months.
It's great seeing Google add new haptics to Circle to Search. It should better clarify to the user that the feature has been activated, which has been one of the few complaints about the search tool since it was released last year.
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Tom's Guide
44 minutes ago
- Tom's Guide
I tested the world's first mobile game controller with AR glasses support — and it completely transformed my 16-hour flight
Regardless of how hard I try, I'm never truly prepared for an ultra-long-haul flight even after doing them for years but this time, I had a feeling things would be different. Flying back and forth from North America to Asia without a layover is no easy feat, especially since you're going to spend at least 14 hours on a plane. Of course, I always come prepared with a tech bag full of gadgets and my last trip to Taiwan was no different. From one of the best Android tablets to my work laptop and even a mini PC, I pack as many electronics as possible to bring with me on the plane. This does make things awkward at airport security but I'd rather have too many devices than wish I had brought something I hadn't. While my trusty Nintendo Switch has gotten me through a bunch of extended flights, I decided to leave it at home this trip as there are plenty of games in my backlog that I've been itching to play on the Nintendo Switch 2. Instead, I decided to give mobile gaming a go with a few of the best Android games but with a twist. One of the best phone controllers can certainly give you a more console-like experience from your smartphone but you lose out on the big screen experience you get when playing on your TV at home. Fortunately though, I've been testing a new mobile game controller that gives you that same experience in a form factor that's small enough for your seat-back tray table. After a 16-hour flight there and then a 14-hour flight back home, I don't think I've ever had this much fun on an airplane and I owe it all to Viture and 8BitDo's new mobile game controller. This bundle gives you everything you need to start playing your favorite mobile games in the most immersive way possible. You get a pair of Viture Pro XR glasses, a carrying case and of course, the new Viture x 8Bitdo Mobile Gaming Controller. At first glance, Viture and 8BitDo's new collaboration looks quite a lot like the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller that was released last year. Well, that's because it's essentially the same controller with a new translucent design and one major upgrade under the hood. Unlike with other, smaller mobile game controllers, this one features longer handles and full-sized, Hall Effect-equipped thumbsticks to prevent stick drift while offering a more comfortable feel overall. The Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller also has clicky bumpers and a D-pad that provide a nice tactile bump when pressed which is something I always look for in a pro controller. Around back, there are two remappable back buttons just like on the new Backbone Pro I recently tried out. After wearing out my right thumb from years of mashing buttons, these have become a must for me and they can really make or break a new controller in my eyes. Another thing that I really like about the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller is that there's a bit of texture on the back of its handles which makes it easier to grip for long periods of time. Connectivity wise, you can slip any of the best phones with a centered USB-C port right into the middle of this controller to get everything set up. Not only is this fast and convenient but you don't have to worry about making sure the controller is charged, like before a long flight. Underneath its main USB-C connector, the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller has another USB-C port on the inside of its right handle. While you can often find an extra USB-C port on a lot of mobile gaming controllers, they're usually just for passthrough charging so you can keep playing without having to take your phone out. That isn't the case here though as this USB-C port is special. Sure, it can be used to charge your phone at up to 45W but you can also use it to connect a pair of the best smart glasses, specifically the Viture One XR or the Viture Pro XR glasses. With a pair of Viture's XR glasses and your phone docked inside, the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller takes gaming on the go to the next level. And better yet, nobody can peek at what you're currently playing. This wasn't my first time trying out a pair of specs like these as I recently got to spend some time with the Xreal One AR glasses and my favorite pocketable mini PC. While I really enjoyed that experience, I was a bit bummed out when I realized I couldn't use them simultaneously with my Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 as part of my ultimate remote play setup. So when Viture reached out to me about testing out its new Ultimate Mobile Gaming Pack, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Besides the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller, you also get a pair of Viture Pro XR glasses with the bundle. They're just as comfortable to wear for extended periods as the Xreal One glasses but in my opinion, they have more of a sporty look to them thanks to the orange accents on one side. One thing that I immediately liked after unboxing the Viture Pro XR glasses was the included case. It is slightly larger than the one that comes with the Xreal Ones but there's a separate compartment for storing the USB-C cable you use to connect them to your phone, tablet, laptop and other devices. Another key difference between the two is that Viture uses a magnetic connector on its glasses as opposed to a standard USB-C port. I do prefer non-proprietary cables but in this case, the magnetic connector makes it a cinch to quickly start using the Viture Pro XR glasses, and I love how the cable just snaps into place. And with my bags packed for Taiwan, that's exactly what I did the moment I made it through airport security. With 30 minutes or so to kill before my flight, I decided to break out the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Pack and give everything a try before takeoff. I briefly tested them out at home but in preparation for my trip, I loaded up my phone with as many console-quality Android games as I could from Dead Cells and Stardew Valley to the game I was most excited about (and dreading) playing with AR glasses: Alien Isolation. It took me a minute or so to get my phone set up inside the controller and to connect the Viture Pro XR glasses and then, I jumped right back where I left off in my last Dead Cells run. Since I didn't want to miss when boarding started for my flight, I short pressed the smaller button on the front of the glasses to toggle their electrochromic film off. If you're unfamiliar with XR or AR glasses, changing this setting causes their display to go from blacked out like when you're wearing one of the best VR headsets to transparent. That way, you can see what's on their screen and the world around you at the same time. Since I've worn AR glasses before when out in public, I wasn't embarrassed at all. However, I did get a few looks here and there but that was likely because I had my camera set up on the other side of the table snapping pics. Even though I only got to play for 15 or so minutes before I had to find my seat, I had an absolute blast. And unlike with your standard mobile game controller, I didn't have to crane my neck forward to see what I was playing. Once on the plane, I waited till we reached cruising altitude before taking the Viture Pro glasses and 8BitDo controller back out. Compared to a laptop or even one of the best handheld gaming consoles, this setup felt a whole lot more compact and easy to stow away if my in-flight meal arrived or turbulence struck. I started my 16-hour flight's worth of mobile gaming slowly with some smaller, less intensive titles before ramping things up. Since I can't play my go-to game, the skateboarding sim Session, on mobile, I did the next best thing and loaded up The Ramp first. After a few rounds getting big airs and doing grabs on the game's virtual halfpipe, I raced around a few courses in the Art of Rally. Getting the controls set up and mapped to the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller took some time though as the mobile version isn't as controller friendly as the PC or console one. Speaking of remapping controls, before I left I also downloaded 8BitDo's Ultimate Software V2 app along with Viture's GamePal launcher. In 8BitDo's app, I was able to remap the controller's two back buttons as well as set up separate profiles for individual games. This really came in handy and I'm glad I downloaded it beforehand. Meanwhile, Viture's GamePal gives you a more console-like experience as all of your installed games show up neatly in one place. I've been using the Nothing Phone 2 as my daily driver for almost two years now but during this trip, I left it behind. The reason being is that as a mid-range phone, it lacks the most important feature to make a setup like this one work: DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C. Without it, you won't see a thing when you plug in a pair of AR glasses, which sadly I learned after I took a chance on this lesser-known Android brand. Fortunately, my colleague John Velasco sent over a Samsung Galaxy S24 FE ahead of my trip and it did the trick and then some. One of the coolest features on the best Samsung phones by far is DeX. Once plugged into a portable monitor or in this case, a pair of AR glasses, you get access to an extended Desktop eXperience that makes using your phone a whole lot more like a computer. On the S24 FE with this particular setup, I really liked how I could use the phone's screen as a trackpad while seeing everything else in the Viture Pro XR glasses. This really came in handy when I started a new farm in Stardew Valley a few hours into my flight. I could harvest my crops and interact with the residents of Pelican Town using the controller while sending my character to and fro with the touchpad. As the overhead lights dimmed in the cabin during the part of the flight where you're supposed to be sleeping, I figured it would be the perfect time to give Alien Isolation a try. For this one, I switched the Viture Pro XR's electrochromic film on and found myself in complete darkness aboard Sevastopol Station. Even though Alien Isolation is over a decade old and I was playing on mobile, everything looked fantastic. I found myself getting lost in the details of the space station and playing a first-person game like this with AR glasses was a very unique experience. Before I knew it, my lengthy 16-hour flight was coming to an end and I had to pack up the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Pack. I don't know if I'd feel comfortable using this setup while traveling together with my family but while on my own on a work trip, it was the perfect way to get through a long flight while catching up on some of the better mobile games that have come to Android over the years. Compared to one of the best gaming laptops or a Steam Deck, slipping the Viture Pro XR glasses and this one-of-a-kind mobile game controller into a bag was a whole lot easier (and lighter). I hate to say it but part of me almost considered switching to one of the best iPhones for a second there so that I could play actual console games like Resident Evil 4 or even Death Stranding with this setup. Google certainly has some catching up to do when it comes to getting full-sized games on Android. After running around Taipei for a week at Computex 2025, I came down with a bad cold the minute I got home. However, instead of being upset I got sick, it gave me a chance to try out this setup at home and let me tell you, there's no better way to rest up than by playing your favorite games remotely on a 135-inch screen inches from your face while cosied up on the couch.
Buzz Feed
an hour ago
- Buzz Feed
Here's How AirTags Compare To Other Trackers
If you haven't purchased a Bluetooth tracker yet, there are plenty of reasons to do so. With the help of one of these gadgets, you can easily find your phone, keys or wallet and save yourself a headache if you're prone to losing them. You can keep track of your luggage while you're traveling. You can attach a tracker to your pet's collar to make sure you always know where they are. Simply put, Bluetooth trackers can be one of those inventions you didn't know you needed until you bought it. But which one is best? You've probably heard the most about Apple's AirTags, which are reader-beloved. But they're not the only ones on the market, and they aren't compatible with non-Apple devices. Below, we broke down some of the best Bluetooth trackers and what makes each of them stand out, so you can choose the best option for your needs. To create our list, we only considered options with a minimum 4-star rating on Amazon, which eliminated products like the Chipolo Pop and Pebblebee Clip. The undefeated Apple AirTag for Apple users Highlights: Works with Apple's Find My network, ultra-slim and small design, most precise location tracking, water- and dust-resistant with IP67 ratingDrawbacks: Doesn't work with Android devicesThe AirTag was crowned one of the best Bluetooth trackers by Wirecutter, and for good reason. The AirTag's ultra-wideband technology is extremely accurate for helping you find lost items. (Note that it won't work on iPhone 6s or earlier models, but devices of this age are also no longer supported by Apple.) The AirTag setup is also ridiculously easy, as it uses the Find My network — so if you have an Apple device, you don't even need to download a separate app. You can put the AirTag into Lost Mode so that you get a notification when it's detected in Find My, and the AirTag also has a built-in speaker so it can play sounds when you're looking for it.(Yes, AirTag batteries can be replaced, but there are reports that certain bitterant coatings can cause incompatibility. While Apple specifically suggests using a Duracell 2032 lithium battery with bitterant coating, anecdotal online evidence suggests that even this Apple-recommended battery doesn't work. The brand also advises looking for batteries that clearly advertise compatibility with AirTags.)Bottom line: If you're already an Apple user, this is a no-brainer choice for convenience of setup. The ultra-precise location tracking is also a great reason to choose this it from Amazon for $24.95. The Tile by Life360 Pro for unbeatable battery life Highlights: works with both iOS and Android, can send an SOS alert or make a silenced phone ring, 500-foot range, has a replaceable battery, water- and dust-resistant with IP68 ratingDrawbacks: The most expensive tracker, bigger than some alternativesThe Tile Pro is bigger and more expensive than the AirTag and some of Tile's other offerings (more on those later), but it works with more devices (iOS and Android) and uses the Life360 app, which you may already have downloaded. It boasts a 500-foot Bluetooth range and a few features the AirTag lacks, like the ability to send loved ones an SOS alert if you're ever in an unsafe situation. The Tile Pro's battery, which lasts a year, can also be replaced with affordable batteries to help the device last even line: The Tile Pro is a great choice for Android users, and the extra few dollars over other models may very well be worth it thanks to the replaceable it from Amazon for $34.99 (also available in 2- and 4-packs). The Tile by Life360 Mate, for a cheaper and smaller option Highlights: Smaller and more affordable than the Pro, has many of the Pro's same features, comes in multiple colors, water- and dust-resistant with IP68 ratingDrawbacks: Has a shorter Bluetooth range, battery is not replaceableThe Tile Mate can add some fun to Bluetooth tracking with more color options, as pictured here. It's cheaper, shorter and narrower than the Tile Pro, so if you're hoping for a less clunky design that still has the SOS alert capability and the convenience of using Life360, the Tile Mate is for you. Just note that the Mate has a range of 350 feet compared to the Pro's 500, and that you can't replace the line: This may be a good starter tracker if you're not sure about committing to the Pro yet, and stands out from the pack with its fun it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in six colors). The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 for Samsung users Highlights: One of the more affordable trackers, uses ultra-wideband technology like the AirTag, water- and dust-resistant with IP67 ratingDrawbacks: Only compatible with Samsung Galaxy devicesThe Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 uses Samsung's SmartThings Find app to help you keep track of your things with ultra-wideband technology (this is similar to the AirTag using the Find My network). The SmartTag 2 can send out audible signals to help you find your lost items. Lost Mode also displays your contact information and a message on the smartphone of whoever found line: If you have Samsung Galaxy devices, this could be a good way to keep track of them, but it probably won't be relevant for most it from Amazon for $19.05. The Tile by Life360 Slim, designed specifically for wallets Highlights: Great for wallets, notebooks and other flat items, three-year battery life, works with Life360, water- and dust-resistant with IP68 ratingDrawbacks: May not fit all wallets, is not bendable, some reviewers say it's a little quietWhile many things you want to track may have clips to attach trackers, that can be trickier with something like a wallet. Enter the Tile Slim, which is designed to be as thick as two credit cards and slide right in a wallet, passport holder, notebook or tablet case. You can use the Life360 app to ring the Slim when it's within 200 feet to make it easier to find. Just make sure you check the dimensions of your wallet before you buy so you're certain the Slim can line: This is a great idea for keeping track of wallets and similar items, but it'll only make sense for you if it actually fits the places you want to store it from Target for $29.99. The lesser-known Chipolo ONE Spot, which is basically a cheaper AirTag Highlights: The most affordable option, works with the Find My appDrawbacks: Has mixed reviews for battery life and durability, less water-resistant and not dust-resistant with IPX5 ratingIf you want the ability to use the Find My network without paying so much for an individual AirTag, the Chipolo ONE Spot can provide an alternative. (Right now, it's only avaiable in a four-pack on Amazon, but each tracker comes out to less than half the price of an AirTag.) Unlike the AirTag, this has a keyring hole so you can directly attach it to your items. Based on the reviews summary at Amazon, it seems like the quality overall for this one may not be as great long-term as the other options on this list, and the price reflects that. (It does still have a 4-star rating, indicating reviewers find it to be a good value.)Bottom line: We don't recommend this one over the more popular options above, though if you're looking for a cheap option, this could it from Amazon for $17.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Analysts unveil bold forecast for Alphabet stock despite ChatGPT threat
Analysts unveil bold forecast for Alphabet stock despite ChatGPT threat originally appeared on TheStreet. You typed in a question and clicked a few links, and Google could get paid if you landed on an ad. For years, that simple cycle helped turn Google into a trillion-dollar titan. But now, that model is under threat. 💵💰💰💵 AI-powered chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT are rapidly changing how people find answers. Instead of browsing through links, users are getting direct summaries on AI. These 'zero-click' searches quietly erode the economics that built the modern internet. The number of users is growing fast. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in April that ChatGPT already has 'something like 10% of the world" in terms of users, pegging the number closer to 800 million, Forbes reported. Even Google seems to know it. It's giving AI answers, called AI Overviews, right at the top of the page. "What's changing is not that fewer people are searching the that more and more the answers to Google are being answered right on Google's page. That AI box at the top of Google is now absorbing that content that would have gone to the original content creators," Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince said in a CNBC interview. Alphabet () , Google's parent company, isn't showing any cracks just yet. In April, the company posted first-quarter revenue of $90.23 billion, topping Wall Street expectations. Earnings per share came in at $2.81, far above the forecasted $ the backbone of Google's business, brought in $66.89 billion, accounting for nearly three-quarters of total revenue. Its 'Search and other' segment rose almost 10% year over year, hitting $50.7 billion. Meanwhile, Google's own AI tools are starting to show traction. AI Overviews now has 1.5 billion users per month, up from 1 billion in October, the company said. So far, the numbers suggest that AI isn't cannibalizing Google's business yet. Bank of America remains bullish on Alphabet stock. The firm reiterated a buy rating and a price target of $200, which implies a potential 15% upside from current levels, according to a recent research report. The firm said in May, Google's global average daily web visits held steady at 2.7 billion, unchanged from the previous month and down 2% from a year earlier. ChatGPT, meanwhile, saw a 3% month-over-month increase to 182 million, marking a 105% jump the U.S., Google traffic slipped 2% year-over-year to 524 million daily visits, while ChatGPT surged 112% over the same period to 26 million. Although Google has highlighted the growing reach of its AI Overviews, analysts are uncertain whether it's translating into more traffic. 'So far, we are not seeing a lift in Google traffic from AI Overviews expansion, though we think the search experience is much improved,' the analysts wrote. The competition is real. Google's global search share also edged down in May, falling 8 basis points month-over-month and 123 basis points year-over-year to 89.6%, according to Statcounter. Still, Bank of America analysts remain optimistic on Alphabet stock. "While ChatGPT's traffic continues to grow rapidly, we think Google remains well-positioned given its scale, multi-product reach, data assets, and robust monetization infrastructure," the analysts said. "AI can expand overall search monetization by better understanding the intent behind complex and long-tail queries that were previously hard to monetize," they added. Morningstar's Malik Ahmed Khan echoed that sentiment, saying Alphabet's diverse revenue streams and global exposure should cushion any hits, even as regulatory and AI risks mount, according to a May research report. Alphabet stock closed at $174.92 on June 6. The stock is down 8% unveil bold forecast for Alphabet stock despite ChatGPT threat first appeared on TheStreet on Jun 6, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
