Samsung’s latest foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, have become the first devices to receive a transformative upgrade to Google’s visual search tool. Dubbed “Circle to Search with AI Mode,” the feature now integrates a conversational AI engine, enabling users to circle on-screen content, add contextual questions, and receive detailed AI-powered answers without leaving their current app. This development marks a significant leap in multimodal search capabilities, blending image recognition with generative AI.
Seamless Contextual Queries
The enhanced Circle to Search leverages Google’s Gemini models to process complex queries tied to visual content. For example, circling an image of Korean corn dogs might prompt the question, “Why are these popular?” The AI then synthesizes cultural, culinary, and trend-based insights into a concise response, complete with source links for deeper exploration. This eliminates the need to switch between apps or manually type searches, creating a frictionless user experience.
Google’s AI Mode, previously available in Google Search and Lens, now underpins Circle to Search. Unlike standard AI Overviews, which condense information, AI Mode delivers paragraph-style explanations and supports follow-up questions. According to Android Authority, this allows “longer, less specific questions or multiple queries clubbed into one”. The feature is rolling out initially in the U.S. and India, where AI Mode has exited experimental status.
Hardware Synergy and Gaming Applications
The Z Fold 7’s hardware plays a crucial role in this upgrade. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip boosts on-device AI processing speeds by 41% (NPU) and 38% (CPU) compared to its predecessor, enabling real-time query resolution. The expansive 8-inch main display also optimizes AI Results View, which displays answers in split-screen or floating windows to avoid obstructing content.
A novel gaming assistance feature further demonstrates the tool’s versatility. Gamers can circle in-game obstacles or characters to trigger a floating UI with AI-generated tips and timestamped YouTube tutorials. “Behind-the-scenes, Search works to understand the visual still and map it back to YouTube videos,” notes 9to5Google.
Ecosystem Implications and Privacy
This collaboration signals deepening ties between Samsung and Google. As Gizmodo observed, Gemini is now “literally all over” the foldables, with integrations extending to Samsung’s native apps like Calendar, Notes, and Reminders. Gemini Live also enables screen-sharing for real-time assistance, such as product comparisons, and camera-sharing for DIY tasks via the Z Flip 7’s Flex Mode.
Privacy remains a priority. Samsung’s One UI 8 introduces Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP), creating app-specific encrypted storage environments to isolate sensitive data. Quantum-resistant encryption in Secure Wi-Fi further safeguards network interactions.
The Road Ahead
While currently exclusive to Samsung’s new foldables, Circle to Search with AI Mode is expected to reach other premium Android devices soon. Google also plans to add a dedicated AI Mode text field for faster queries.
Industry analysts highlight the strategic significance. “Samsung’s foldables feel like a big win for Google,” wrote Gizmodo, noting that Pixel phones alone haven’t driven mass AI adoption. By embedding Gemini across Samsung’s flagship devices, Google gains critical user engagement to refine its models.
As TM Roh, President of Samsung’s DX Division, stated, the Z Fold 7 delivers an “ultra experience” by fusing “Galaxy AI with powerful hardware”. For users, this means transforming everyday curiosity into actionable knowledge, no app-hopping required.
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