Google offers iPhone users a way to use Android's Circle to Search function. Circle to Search is only available on Android, but Google has created an Apple equivalent.
Google Lens design manager Minsang Choi introduced a new iOS shortcut that uses the iPhone 15 Pro's Action button, per The Verge. This shortcut screenshots the screen and sends it to Google Lens for a scan. Choi says the function is similar to Circle to Search "but faster."
The tech giant has clarified that while Google Lens and Circle to Search use comparable search and OCR technology, Circle to Search includes Android-specific accessibility capabilities.
Google said Circle to Search's global accessibility via a long-press gesture on the gesture bar or home button makes it stand out on Android. This distinguishes it from Google Lens, available on the iOS Google (Search) app.
How to Use Google Lens in iOS
Google Lens and Circle to Search use the same search and OCR technologies, but Circle to Search has more features, as reported by 9to5Google.
It lets users circle or lasso things for selection, making it more natural and versatile than tapping. According to the firm, the two features have varied capabilities and accessibility choices across platforms.
iPhones with BackTap can use the shortcut. Back Tap allows iPhone users to double- or triple-tap the back to activate system functionality, such as iOS shortcuts.
Here's how to access the Google's version of Circle to Search:
The newest iOS version and an iPhone 6S or newer are required. If you have not yet installed Google, download it. To enable Back Tap, go to Settings and select Accessibility>Touch. Tap Double or Triple, depending on your preference.
Scroll to Shortcuts and click "Search your screenshot." With this configuration, users can tap the iPhone back while surfing to take a screenshot and launch Google Lens. While not as exact as Circle to Search on Android, the workaround gives iPhone users similar capabilities.
Read Also : Apple CEO Tim Cook Wears Custom 1-of-1 'Made on iPad' Nike Air Max '86 at Let Loose Event
"Circle to Search" in Google Lens is not 🆕 but just re-branded their image section rectangle to a circle, that rectangle selection for just selecting specific part of image have been their in Lens for years.
— Gagan Ghotra (@gaganghotra_) March 31, 2024
Here's another tweet of mine from Oct 2023 using that rectangle… pic.twitter.com/O1ndX0j6kZ
What To Know About iPhone Spyware Issues
Separately, Apple has alerted iPhone owners in 92 countries about suspected malware recently. According to Wired, the tech giant alerted iPhone users last month that it detected a "mercenary spyware attack" attempting to compromise the device associated with their Apple ID.
The notice prompted Apple users to seek clarification on the warning on social media. It was disclosed that several targets were in India, but reports came from Europe.
Despite widespread concern, information about iPhone assaults is scarce. Blackberry, now a security business, connected the cyberattack to "LightSpy," a Chinese espionage program.
However, Apple spokesperson Shane Bauer denied this, citing Blackberry's research errors. According to security company Huntress, the variant Blackberry evaluated was macOS, not iOS.
Nation-state rivals use spyware to target journalists, political dissidents, government employees, and certain corporate sectors. Apple said in an April alert that such assaults are rare and costly, but it is important to note that the cyber attackers have large resources to carry out such operations.
Apple's fight against malware continues with April's warnings. Since 2021, Apple has alerted people in over 150 countries, indicating the global targeting of high-profile characters.
Moreover, the tech giant promotes Lockdown Mode as a spyware prevention tool. Bauer asserts that there have been no attacks against Lockdown Mode users. However, malware can have serious consequences for unwitting victims, emphasizing the need to be cautious against sophisticated cyber attacks.
