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 upcoming Android 16 update is bringing better security and some helpful improvements, especially for Pixel phone users. One of the main features in Android 16 is a new way to protect your phone’s data when it’s connected to a computer through USB. Right now, when you plug your phone into a PC or laptop, it can access all your data as long as you approve it.
With Android 16, Google is adding an extra security layer that only allows limited access unless you enter your PIN, password, or use your fingerprint. This will help protect your files if someone tries to access your phone without permission.
At the same time, Google is also working on a fix for a frustrating issue that some Pixel users have been facing for months — delayed notifications. After the April 2024 update, many users noticed that app alerts were not showing up on time, especially from messaging apps. Google has confirmed the problem and says a fix will be included in a future update, though it’s not in the current April patch yet.
Together, these changes show that Google is focusing on both stronger privacy and a smoother experience for Android and Pixel users. Android 16 is expected to roll out later this year, starting with developer previews.
Google is bringing several updates across its apps to make them more useful and easier to use. Google Translate is working on a new feature called “Practice.” It helps users improve their language skills by offering short exercises, like matching words or filling in blanks. Right now, it looks like it will focus on Spanish, but other languages may come later. This tool could be great for people who want to go beyond just translating words and learn the language.
Google Assistant’s Driving Mode in Google Maps is starting to shut down. Many users are noticing that the card-style dashboard is disappearing, and the Assistant voice command shortcut no longer works. Google hasn’t officially said why, but it seems they’re moving away from this feature, possibly to focus on other tools or experiences in Maps.
Google TV’s Freeplay app is now back with a fresh look. It gives users free access to over 100 live TV channels. The redesign makes it easier to browse channels and see what’s playing. The new layout also highlights what’s currently on, making it faster to start watching without having to dig through menus.
Lastly, Google Chrome is testing a new built-in PDF viewer. This upgraded tool makes reading and editing PDFs easier right inside the browser. It includes better zoom controls, a cleaner layout, and a page list view that lets users jump to specific pages more quickly. These updates show Google’s push to improve how we learn, drive, watch TV, and browse the web.
Google has shared the latest Android version usage numbers, showing that Android 15 is still in the early stages of adoption. As of April 2025, only 0.1% of Android devices are using Android 15. This version is currently in its beta phase, mostly available on Pixel and select partner phones. Android 14 leads the way with a 35.2% share, followed by Android 13 at 17.3% and Android 12 at 15.4%. Android 11 still holds 12.4%, showing how long older versions stick around.
Meanwhile, Google is also making changes in its AI efforts. The Gemini AI “prompt bar,” first seen in the Chrome browser, is now being tested in Google Search. This new feature lets users type or click suggestions to ask questions directly using Gemini, making search more interactive. It’s rolling out to more people gradually.
In addition to that, Google introduced Veo, a powerful video generation tool for creators. Veo can make high-quality videos from simple text prompts, using advanced AI to understand scenes, emotions, and cinematic styles. Google is currently letting select creators try Veo through a waitlist.
Together, these updates show how Google is improving both its Android platform and AI services. While Android 15 adoption is just beginning, features like the Gemini prompt bar and Veo highlight the company’s growing focus on AI to enhance user experiences across devices and tools.
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