Google unveils New Android features, Including Music Search within Circle to Search

Google has launched new features for Android phones, tablets, and Wear OS watches. Among the new functionalities is the Circle to Search Music Search feature, which enables users to identify any song playing from nearby speakers or other apps without needing to exit those apps. The Music Search feature has begun rolling out.

To use Music Search, activate Circle to Search by long-pressing the home button or navigation pill, then click the music note icon next to the search bar. When a song is detected, an overlay with "Listening" will appear, along with a "Cancel" button.

Subsequently, a  Google search page opens displaying the song's name and artist, along with links to YouTube videos. Users also have the option to add these tracks to their YouTube playlist. These features are accessible across all social media platforms.

Additionally, Google now allows users to listen to web pages in Chrome and offers options to customize listening speed, voice type, and language. Google has also announced that Android’s screen reader, TalkBack, will utilize Gemini models to enhance the accessibility of audio descriptions for digital images. “Whether you’re viewing online product images, photos in your camera roll, pictures in text messages, or images on social media, Android’s screen reader uses advanced Google AI to bring images to life,” said Google.

Additionally, Google has introduced offline support for Google Maps on Wear OS, allowing users to access maps without needing their phone. A new “Offline maps” section has been added above Settings in the watch app, and maps will sync automatically when connected to Wi-Fi and while charging. Google is also expanding its Android Earthquake Alerts to cover the entire US.