Google announces AI updates for search and Gemini for Samsung's new S24

At the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked conference, Google announced two major search updates: Circle to Search and artificial intelligence-based multisearch.

With Circle to Search, users will be able to search for content, such as images, text or videos, right on the screen of their Android phone without leaving the app they're using. The feature will launch on select premium Android smartphones starting January 31, including the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro and the new Galaxy S24 series announced at the event. Ads will also appear in search results.

AI-based multisearch, on the other hand, allows users to point the camera at an object, ask a question, and get AI-based results that go beyond visual matches. An early version of multi-search already exists in Google Lens. But Google says the new version leverages advances in generative AI and should allow users to ask more complex questions.

Google uses the example of a board game: "For example, imagine you're at a yard sale and stumble upon a strange-looking board game. It doesn't have a box or instructions on it, so you immediately have questions: What is this game and how is it played? That's where the new multi-search experience will help." The company has already announced similar plans at MuM, and now the features demonstrated then seem to be resonating with end users. The multi-search feature is also available through Circle to Search.

Artificial intelligence-generated reviews in Google's English-language multi-search results will be available in the Google app for Android and iOS in the US this week. Outside the U.S., testers at Google Search Generative Experience (SGE) and Search Labs can try out the multi-search feature.

Google's Gemini will make an appearance in the Samsung S24

In addition to new search capabilities, Samsung and Google also announced the joint integration of Google Gemini models into Samsung S24 smartphones and apps. The more powerful Gemini Pro artificial intelligence model and the locally executable Gemini Nano will be integrated into Samsung apps such as Notes, Voice Recorder and Keyboard to provide better summarization and editing capabilities. Samsung will also be one of the first companies to utilize Google's most powerful Gemini model, the Gemini Ultra.

The Samsung S24 will also get new Google Messages features such as Magic Compose and Photomoji. Android Auto is also being updated to automatically summarize text messages and suggest appropriate responses and actions.