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Google AI Overviews Come to Circle to Search

February 4, 2025 /
All industries  /   Algorithm Updates 

Google has introduced AI Overviews to its Circle to Search functionality on Android devices, adding a new layer of intelligence to visual search. For those unfamiliar, Circle to Search allows users to highlight any product within an image or video by circling it, providing shopping results based on their selection. For example, circling a winter jacket prompts Google’s AI to provide a summary of key considerations when buying a coat for your local climate. The AI then displays recommended products sourced from across the web, along with explanations of why these items might be the best fit for your needs. It also organises results into categories, offering users a more structured view of their options. Links are still provided for those who want to explore further.

While Google’s AI Overview already exists for traditional text queries, this marks the first attempt at incorporating it into visual search. Beyond shopping for products, users can now circle a storefront logo, for instance, to receive an instant, AI-powered summary. These summaries are given prime placement in Circle to Search, appearing before other visual search results.

Google has also enhanced Circle to Search by enabling it to recognise numbers, email addresses, and URLs visible on a user’s screen. This makes it possible to perform high-intent actions—such as making a call or visiting a website—with a single tap. Combined with the AI Overview, these features demonstrate Google’s commitment to making visual search faster, smarter, and more convenient for users.