Google continues to make various changes in the design of the Circle to Search feature, which it introduced last year. The new interface that the company is currently testing aims to simplify the user experience.
At the beginning of 2024, Circle to Search was only designed as a pill-shaped search field. Later, the Translate button and the Find Song feature were added to this design, while the Lens shortcut was removed. In December, Google tested a more complex design that combined all these functions in a single pill-shaped container.
In this more complex design, one button was constantly visible, while an app grid icon was added to access other functions. However, shortcomings such as the lack of an ‘x’ off button in the corners and the complexity of the design caused this trial to be canceled as a result of user feedback.
Google is now testing a simpler design. The new approach aims to offer a more streamlined and fluid appearance by placing the existing stable user interface in a container. When Circle to Search is enabled, the entire panel scrolls up as a single element, and this movement is reversed on exit.
On the other hand, the close and overflow menu buttons in the top corners now come with a circular design. In addition, the call microphone button has a theme that matches the other buttons, instead of its previous four-color design.
Google did not open the new Circle to Search design to everyone
This simplified design started to be tested with Google’s latest application update, but it has not yet been released to a wide range of users. It remains unclear whether the design will be finally put into use after the testing phase.
Google’s goal with these changes seems to be to make it easier and faster for users to access features. Depending on user feedback, further development of the new design is possible.