As part of an upgrade to several key services, Google just announced that it is adding language translation to its recently released Circle to Search feature. As the name implies, Circle to Search already allows certain Android users to do object-based research by simply drawing a circle around it.
There will be no need for a drawn circle in the soon-to-be language translation component. According to Google, all users need to do is search for the translate icon by long pressing the home button or navigation bar. The remainder will be handled by it. The tech was demonstrated by the company to translate a whole menu with a single, extended press. This change means users won’t have to switch between apps merely to check on something, as Google Translate can already accomplish this in a slightly different method.
The translation tool begins rolling out in the “coming weeks”, though only to Android devices that can run Circle to Search. This list currently includes Pixel 7 devices, Pixel 8 devices and the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, though Google says it’s coming to more phones and tablets this week, including some foldables.
Google Maps is also getting a refresh, with an emphasis on AI. When you pull up a place on Maps, like a restaurant, artificial intelligence will display a summary that describes unique points of interest and “what people love” about the business. The AI will also analyze photos of food and identify what the dish is called, in addition to the cost and whether it’s vegetarian or vegan. The company hopes this will make it easier to make reservations and book trips.
On the non-AI side of things, Maps is getting an updated lists feature in select cities throughout the US and Canada. This will aggregate lists of must-visit destinations pulled from members of the community and local publishers. There will be tools to customize these lists as you see fit.
These will be joined by lists created by Google and its algorithm, including a weekly trending list to discover the “latest hot spots” and something called Gems that chronicles under-the-radar spots. All of these Maps updates are coming to both Android and iOS devices later this month.
