3 newly announced ways Google Search is using AI

Lens, Circle to Search, and traditional Search are receiving new updates.

On Thursday, Google unveiled several new search-related updates. Along with the wider rollout of the redesigned AI Overviews feature, which highlights publication links and introduces ads, Google also introduced several entirely new features. Here's what's new with Lens, Circle to Search, and Google's fresh approach to searching for recipes.

1. Video and Voice Search with Lens

Lens, the tool designed for searching visual elements, now supports video and voice search. In the Google app, you can point your camera at something best captured in motion (like a school of fish swimming in a circle, as shown in the demo). By holding down the shutter to record the video and asking Lens a question, such as "Why are they swimming together?" Lens will process both the video and your query, providing an AI Overview response along with relevant clickable resources.

Lens for video is currently only available for those with access to Google's testing ground, Search Labs. Lens for photos with voice prompts is live for Android and iOS users through the Google app.

2. Circle to Search for Music

Circle to Search, a visual search tool launched earlier this year, now lets Android users search for songs within videos. By circling or scribbling over an object in an image, users could previously search without switching apps. Now, they can use the same method to identify songs in social media or streaming videos. Instead of physically circling the song, users simply click the musical note icon next to the search bar. Google's AI then processes the audio and provides information about the song. This feature is available on compatible Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices.

3. AI-Organized Search Results

Google is enhancing search results with AI-driven organization. For queries like recipe searches or meal inspiration, results will now be sorted into subcategories, offering a more structured experience. Starting this week in the U.S. on mobile, users will see their search results divided into relevant sections based on their query—such as vegetarian appetizer ideas. This feature combines Google's Gemini AI models with its core Search algorithm to deliver more relevant results. AI-organized search results are available on the mobile Google app.