Google has recently introduced changes to its Circle to Search feature, specifically modifying the interface at the bottom of the tool. Previously, this section included a ‘G’ logo that allowed access to the Google app, voice search, and Google Lens, alongside options for text search, song identification, and translation. With the latest update, however, the shortcut to Google Lens has been removed, making it less convenient for users to perform live visual searches.
For those using Pixel phones, the Google Lens shortcut is still available in the bottom-right corner of the home screen. Unfortunately, this option is not extended to other Android devices. Users of non-Pixel phones can still access Google Lens by either adding the Google Search widget or downloading the standalone Google Lens app.
The removal of the Lens shortcut might be aimed at simplifying the Circle to Search interface, potentially reducing clutter by eliminating one of the four previously aligned buttons. The current design now displays only three options on the right-hand side.
While this change limits access to Google Lens for some users, the exact reason behind the update is uncertain. The update is being rolled out across both stable and beta versions of the Google app.
