Google is actively working on bringing new features onto their Files app. This was first spotted earlier this month when 9to5 Google announced these features are on the way. An example of this is with their latest Circle To Search feature being added as a shortcut. This is so that the search process when viewing images in full screen mode is easier. In tapping a small floating action button that appears above the edit button, users can search without the usual navigation steps.
Another major feature that is being developed is an AI-generated summaries for files with text in them, such as documents. This tool is going to automatically create summaries of these documents for users to quickly understand important insights without having to read entire files. This is especially great for those who would need to skim through large amounts of text quickly.
How Exactly Does The Circle To Search Feature Work?
The Circle to Search feature is all about making image-based searches more accessible for those using it. When viewing an image in fullscreen, users will notice the FAB button that appears above the usual editing options. This FAB can take the form of either a magnifying glass with AI sparkle, representing the Smart Search function, or the Google Lens logo. Tapping on this FAB instantly launches the Circle to Search function, sending the entire image to be analysed without any need for further interaction with the app’s interface.
This feature is currently being tested in the beta version of the Files app and is available as a server-side update for those participating in the beta channel. The goal of Circle to Search is to provide a quicker and more intuitive way to perform searches directly from images, enhancing the overall utility of the Files app.
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How Will AI-Generated Summaries Be Used On The Files App?
The summaries will be created on the device itself, with Google’s Gemini Nano technology. This on-device processing speeds up the summary generation, keeps user data private, and is not shared externally, a great tool to have. Users can manage controls through the app’s settings, where they can choose to allow or disable the option for summarising. It is however advised to double-check the generated summaries for accuracy, in general, and with any other summarisation tool, especially when dealing with critical information, as the AI might not always get everything right.
Instead of working through pages of text, users can rely on these summaries to quickly get familiar with the main points of a document. Professionals and students who need to process large amounts of information quickly and efficiently would definitely find this feature useful.
Both the Circle to Search shortcut and AI-generated summaries are currently in the beta testing phase. These features have not yet been rolled out to the general public, and there is no guarantee that they will be released in their current form, or at all. If the AI-generated summaries feature relies on Gemini Nano technology, its availability may be limited to certain devices, such as Google’s Pixel phones and select Samsung models.
