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Google removes lens shortcut from circle to search: Simpler UI but Fewer Visual Search Options

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Google has recently made a significant change to its Circle to Search feature, removing the shortcut for Google Lens. This update follows a recent visual tweak, and while it streamlines the user interface, it also limits easy access to the popular visual search tool.

Previously, users could access Google Lens via a small ‘G’ logo located at the bottom of the Circle to Search field. This logo allowed for quick access to various Google features, including the Google app, voice search, and Lens, along with text query options. The Lens shortcut was particularly useful for those wanting to perform live visual searches directly from the Circle to Search interface. In addition to this, the song search feature, represented by a music note icon, was added recently alongside translation options.

With the latest update, however, Google has removed the Lens shortcut from this lineup, which could be seen as a regression. The removal means that users no longer have quick two-step access to Google Lens from any part of their phone. Although some Pixel phones offer a Lens shortcut on the homescreen in the bottom-right corner, other devices, and third-party launchers don’t have that convenience. To work around this, users can either place the Google Search widget on their home screens or download the standalone Google Lens app to regain easy access.

It’s unclear if this removal is due to a bug or an intentional change by Google to declutter the Circle to Search interface. Reducing the number of buttons from four to three does give the UI a cleaner look, but losing easy access to Google Lens on Android is a drawback for many users who rely on it for quick visual searches.

This update seems to have rolled out widely across both the stable and beta versions of the Google app, following a server-side change earlier this morning. Whether this shift is permanent or subject to further tweaks remains to be seen.

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Android

Google’s May 2025 Android updates: better performance and messaging

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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!

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Smart home and navigation upgrades for easier living

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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.

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Google updates Chrome, Search, and Play Store for better user experience

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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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