News
Google launches Circle to Search at the Galaxy Unpacked 2024 Event
Samsung conducted the Galaxy Unpacked 2024 on January 18, where we were introduced to the all-new Samsung Galaxy S24 series. The Event was focused on introducing us to the Galaxy AI which implements various AI features to the Samsung Galaxy S24 series smartphones which help in making day-to-day tasks easier.
The Galaxy AI is packed with lots of features that will enhance communication and interpretation capabilities. Besides the AI features, Samsung also introduced the Circle to search, a new feature introduced in partnership with Google.
Google has already excelled at search as you can not only search by text but also ask a question using your voice or find the name of a song by just humming it, or search what you see using the camera/image through Google lens. Circle to search takes this further by enabling the ability to search anything, anyway, and anywhere on your smartphone.
Circle to Search is a new way to search on your Android smartphone without switching the apps. The feature lets you search for anything while using an app with a simple gesture by selecting the object, circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping on the screen to get information about it on the same screen without the need to switch apps.
To use Circle to Search Just long press the home button or navigation bar on your Android phone to activate Circle to Search. From there, you can select any item that you see with your preferred gesture to quickly find information about the object. When you’re done, simply swipe away, and you’re right back to the same place where you started.
Circle to search uses AI capabilities to detect what object you are searching for and shows the best search results based on it. It’s basically like combining the abilities of Google Search and Google lens with AI. It brings search to everywhere on your smartphone so that whenever you are curious to know about something that you just saw on your smartphone you don’t need to switch screens to look for it. Circle to Search requires internet connection as it uses Google Search to find the results on web.
Circle to search works seamlessly through various social media apps like Instagram, and YouTube, and also through other apps like Gallery, Browser, etc. For example, you can scribble onto a bag to find similar, shoppable options from various websites across the web.
Sometimes you might want to know more about the object or have a specific question about it. With multisearch, you can search with images and text at the same time, and using the AI enhancements done with the search you can easily understand concepts, ideas, and related information that is available across the web. For example, while using any social media app you find an image of a Korean hot dog and you are curious to know why they are so popular, you can use Circle to search and just ask Google about it.
Circle to Search is launching on January 31 on the new Samsung Galaxy S24 Series and Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. It will be made available to all other Android smartphones later this year. With the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, you can also use the S-pen to circle, scribble, or highlight while using Circle to search.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro is already making headlines ahead of its official announcement, thanks to fresh leaks that hint at a major shift in flagship smartphone processors. According to recent reports, Qualcomm could introduce a dual-tier flagship chipset strategy, separating premium and ultra-premium performance segments for the first time.
A New Dual Flagship Approach
The leak suggests that Qualcomm is preparing two versions of its next-generation flagship chip: the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro. This move could mirror strategies seen in other industries, where brands differentiate between high-end and ultra-premium offerings.
With this approach, smartphone manufacturers may choose between the standard variant for regular flagship devices and the Pro version for top-tier models, potentially leading to clearer performance segmentation in the Android ecosystem.
2nm Process Could Redefine Efficiency
One of the most notable highlights of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro is its rumored 2nm fabrication process. If accurate, this would mark a significant leap in chip manufacturing, delivering improved power efficiency and performance gains.
A smaller process node typically means better thermal management, longer battery life, and faster processing speeds. This could directly benefit heavy users, especially gamers and content creators who rely on sustained performance.
GPU and Memory Upgrades
The chipset is also expected to feature an upgraded Adreno 850 GPU, promising enhanced graphics rendering and smoother gaming experiences. Combined with support for LPDDR6 RAM, the new processor could push the limits of multitasking and AI-driven features.
These improvements are likely to play a key role in areas such as real-time AI processing, high-refresh-rate gaming, and advanced camera capabilities.
What This Means for Smartphones
If the leak turns out to be accurate, flagship smartphones launching in the next cycle could see a wider performance gap than before. Premium devices may exclusively feature the Pro variant, while more affordable flagships could stick with the standard version.
This shift could also influence pricing strategies, with Pro-powered devices commanding a higher price due to their superior hardware capabilities.
Conclusion
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro leak indicates that Qualcomm is preparing for a significant evolution in mobile processing. With a 2nm process, improved GPU, and next-generation memory support, the chipset could set new benchmarks for performance and efficiency. More importantly, the introduction of a Pro variant may redefine how flagship smartphones are positioned in the market.
Source: Gizmochina
Also Read: Chrome Skills Feature: Google Brings AI-Powered Workflows to Your Browser
The Chrome Skills feature marks a significant shift in how users interact with their browsers. With the integration of Google Gemini into Google Chrome, Google is transforming everyday browsing into a more automated and intelligent experience. This update introduces reusable AI-powered workflows, allowing users to streamline repetitive tasks directly within the browser.
What is the Chrome Skills Feature?
The Chrome Skills feature allows users to save and reuse prompts powered by Gemini. Instead of repeatedly typing the same instructions, users can create “skills” that execute predefined actions. These can range from summarizing articles and comparing products to organizing research across multiple tabs.
This feature is particularly useful for professionals, researchers, and content creators who rely heavily on browser-based workflows. By embedding AI directly into Chrome, Google is reducing friction and saving time.
How It Works
Users can create a skill by writing a prompt and saving it within Chrome. Once saved, the skill can be triggered anytime with a single click. The AI then executes the task across tabs or within a specific page context.
For example, a user can create a skill to summarize all open articles or extract key points from multiple tabs. This eliminates the need to manually switch between tabs and repeat commands.
Why This Matters
The introduction of Chrome Skills positions the browser as more than just a tool for accessing websites. It becomes an intelligent assistant capable of handling complex workflows.
This move also highlights Google’s broader strategy of integrating AI deeply into its ecosystem. By combining Chrome with Gemini, users get a seamless experience where AI enhances productivity without requiring additional tools or extensions.
SEO and Productivity Benefits
From an SEO and content perspective, this feature can help creators generate ideas, analyze competitors, and optimize content faster. Marketers can use skills to automate keyword research or summarize industry trends.
For everyday users, it simplifies tasks like shopping comparisons, email drafting, and information gathering.
Final Thoughts
The Chrome Skills feature is a step toward a more automated web experience. As AI continues to evolve, features like this will likely become standard across browsers. For now, Google is setting the pace by turning Chrome into a smarter, more efficient workspace.
Also Read: Seamless Always-On Display OnePlus Nord: Enable Full Screen AOD Easily
YouTube
YouTube Live Streaming Monetization Update: New Features Boost Creator Earnings and Engagement
YouTube Live Streaming Monetization Update is set to reshape how creators earn and engage with their audiences on the platform. YouTube has introduced a series of enhancements aimed at improving both revenue opportunities and viewer experience during live streams. These updates are rolling out globally, signaling the platform’s continued focus on strengthening its live streaming ecosystem.
YouTube Live Streaming Monetization Update: New Features for Live Streams
One of the most notable updates is the expansion of the gifting feature to horizontal live streams. Previously limited to vertical formats, gifting now allows creators to receive financial support from viewers across more streaming styles. This move aligns with the growing popularity of long-form and landscape-oriented content.
Another key addition is the introduction of ad-free moments triggered by viewer interactions such as Super Chats and gifts. When a viewer contributes during a live stream, ads are temporarily paused, ensuring that the interaction feels more personal and uninterrupted. This not only enhances viewer satisfaction but also encourages more real-time participation.
YouTube Live Streaming Monetization Update Improves Ad Experience
YouTube has also implemented an intelligent ad management system that automatically pauses advertisements during peak engagement periods. For instance, when chat activity spikes or major interactions occur, ads are delayed to maintain the flow of the stream. This ensures that creators do not lose audience attention at critical moments.
By reducing interruptions during high-engagement segments, creators can maintain a stronger connection with their viewers. At the same time, monetization remains intact, as ads are strategically placed without disrupting the overall experience.
What This Means for Creators
These updates highlight a clear shift toward a creator-first approach in live streaming. By combining monetization tools with improved audience experience, YouTube is enabling creators to maximize earnings without compromising engagement.
Conclusion
With these enhancements, YouTube is positioning itself as a leading platform for live streaming monetization. The balance between revenue generation and user experience is at the core of this update, making it a significant development for the creator economy.
As live content continues to grow, these features could play a crucial role in shaping how creators connect with their audiences and monetize their efforts effectively.
Also Read: OxygenOS 16.1 Features: Massive UI Redesign, Camera Upgrade, and Smarter Notifications