The Circle to Search feature will soon be able to scan QR codes and barcodes
Google’s Circle to Search is reportedly getting a new capability that will allow it to scan QR codes and barcodes. The artificial intelligence (AI)-powered visual lookup feature, which debuted with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, can scan any QR codes or barcodes visible on the screen and displays a chip that shows the URL of the destination website, the report says. Notably, an earlier report had claimed that Circle to Search would also get text-to-speech capabilities, allowing it to read aloud a selected portion of the screen.
Circle to Search is said to be getting a QR code scanning feature
According to a report According to Android Authority, Circle to Search’s barcode and QR code support was first spotted in the Google app v15.19.45.29.arm64 beta. However, that version failed to activate. Now, the publication has managed to activate the feature in the Google app v15.25.32.
Circle to search QR code and barcode scanner
Photo Credit: Android Authority
In a short video, the report showed how the new feature works. On a screen where a barcode or QR code is visible, the screen will be automatically scanned for such codes by long-pressing the Home button to activate the feature. Once identified, a chip will appear next to the codes where part of the destination URL is visible. The report also claims that the chip will also show a link preview where available.
Interestingly, it appears that this feature was ported over from Google Lens, which can also scan QR codes and barcodes. Earlier this year, Product Manager Erin Lynch and Director of Product Management Alistair Pott, who worked with the team that built Circle to Search, confirmed in an interview that some of Circle to Search’s features took advantage of Google Lens’ capabilities.
The duo also said that they were trying to integrate the two products further. This feature could be part of that. Once the visual lookup feature is rolled out, looking up QR codes could become useful. Additionally, the feature offers users an extra layer of security by showing the destination before a user scans it.
Currently, the feature is not visible and beta testers cannot try it out. There is no word on when the tech giant might release the feature.
