Google enhances Search and Maps with new Circle to Search features and redesigned tools
Top 3 Key Points:
- Circle to Search Expands: Google Lens in Chrome is set to gain new features similar to Circle to Search on mobile.
- Google Search Tools Update: The stopwatch and timer tools on Google Search have been visually revamped for better usability.
- Google Maps Pin Redesign: Google Maps introduces new pin shapes and colors for a cleaner and more consistent look.
Google is rolling out several updates to its popular tools, enhancing both the Circle to Search (CtS) feature and making visual improvements to Google Search and Google Maps.
Circle to Search (CtS) Expands to Chrome
Google’s Circle to Search (CtS) has been one of the most significant updates of the year. Initially launched on the Pixel 8 series, CtS has gradually been introduced to other devices. This feature allows users to highlight elements on their screen to perform searches, with added capabilities like instant translation, barcode scanning, and music identification.
Recently, Google has been working to integrate similar functionality into Chrome via Google Lens. The Lens tool, accessible directly from the address bar, lets users select and search for images or text on their screen. While it currently offers basic search results and text translation, Google is reportedly developing a feature that will allow users to save or share their circled search queries as images, similar to the mobile CtS experience. This update, highlighted by Chrome researcher @Leopeva64 on X (formerly Twitter), suggests that Chrome users will soon have an even more robust search tool at their fingertips.
Google Search Timer and Stopwatch Redesigned
Google has also revamped the built-in timer and stopwatch tools on its Search platform. The timer now features a light blue background that stands out against the white search results page, with quick shortcuts to add time in increments of 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 5 minutes. The stopwatch, on the other hand, now has a circular indicator and a yellow background when paused, mirroring the design of Android’s Clock app. These updates are designed to enhance usability, particularly on desktops, where these tools are most commonly used.
Google Maps Introduces New Pin Designs
In addition to search enhancements, Google Maps is rolling out redesigned pins with new shapes and colors. The traditional pin shape has been replaced with a shorter, more rounded design that features a white background and an inner circle icon. Some pins, like those for museums, have also changed colors, shifting from teal to purple, while others have received subtler tweaks. These changes, which are already visible on Android, iOS, and the web, aim to provide a more streamlined and visually appealing experience.
With these updates, Google continues to refine its tools, making them more intuitive and visually cohesive for users across its platforms.
Google’s May 2025 Android updates bring exciting changes to improve how your phone works and how you message. These updates focus on making devices faster, safer, and more user-friendly.
One big change is to Android’s memory system. By increasing the memory page size from 4KB to 16KB on newer devices, apps can load quicker and use less power. This helps phones, especially those with modern chips, run smoothly and save battery life. Older devices will stick with the smaller page size to avoid issues.
The Google System Updates for May also add new features. Google Wallet now supports more card types and makes transit passes easier to use in apps like Google Maps. The Play Store now shows video previews of apps, helping you decide what to download. There are also fixes to improve battery life, storage, and network performance, making your phone more reliable.
For Google Messages, a new “delete for everyone” feature lets you remove sent messages from group chats within 15 minutes. This works for both RCS and SMS, so you can fix mistakes easily. Other messaging upgrades include better scam detection and the ability to send high-quality photos and videos. These updates show Google’s effort to make Android devices faster, more secure, and better for communication. Keep your phone updated to enjoy these improvements!
Google Maps is making driving more fun with a new feature for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Now, you can pick different car icons to show your vehicle on the map. Choose from options like a sleek sedan, a rugged SUV, or a cool arrow.
This small change adds a personal touch to your navigation and is rolling out to all users soon. Meanwhile, Ecobee’s Smart Doorbell Camera is getting a big upgrade with Google Home support. You can now see who’s at your door right from the Google Home app, view live video, and even talk to visitors.
If you have a Nest Hub, the doorbell feed pops up automatically when someone rings. This feature, already available for Ecobee’s thermostat, makes your smart home setup smoother and is available now for all users. On the AI front, Google’s Gemini app is getting smarter with the Gemini 2.5 Pro preview.
This update improves coding skills, helping developers create better apps and websites. It also handles video and text tasks more effectively. The preview is out for everyone to try, with Google planning to share more at its I/O 2025 event. These updates from Google and Ecobee bring small but meaningful improvements, making your car rides, home security, and digital tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Google is rolling out exciting updates to make browsing, searching, and downloading apps smoother and safer for Android users. These changes focus on improving Chrome’s security, redesigning the Google Search bar, and enhancing the Google Play Store’s download process.
Chrome’s Improved Security
Google Chrome now offers stronger protection with “Enhanced Safe Browsing” powered by Gemini Nano, an AI model that works directly on your device. This feature checks websites in real-time to spot phishing attempts and other online threats, keeping your data safe without relying on cloud servers. It’s a step up from the standard protection, giving users more peace of mind while browsing.
Redesigned Google Search Bar
The Google Search bar on Android is getting a fresh look. It’s now simpler and easier to use, with a modern design that fits better with your phone’s home screen. The updated widget lets you access Search, Lens, or voice commands quickly. The new layout is clean and user-friendly, making searches faster and more intuitive.
Better Play Store Downloads
The Google Play Store is improving how it shows app download progress. A new notification design displays a progress bar right in your notification panel, so you can track downloads without opening the app. This small but helpful change makes managing app installs more convenient.
These updates show Google’s focus on creating a safer, simpler, and more efficient experience for Android users. They’re rolling out gradually, so keep an eye out for them on your device!
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