Google Chrome is getting a big AI upgrade for millions — what you can do now

Image of an Apple MacBook with a Google Chrome logo on the display
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

When Google introduced Circle to Search in January for Samsung Galaxy S24 phones and Pixel phones it immediately became one of the best features on those devices. Since then, the feature has trickled out to other devices, including older Samsung phones and Google's Pixel Tablet.

And now, Google Chrome and the ChromeOS are finally getting a version circle to search (via 9to5Google). The Search variant coming to Chrome and some of the best Chromebooks is through a big update of Google Lens. 

There were rumors that Google was working on a Google Lens update in May that would include some form of Circle to Search. At the time the feature still seemed a ways away from launching to the public.

But it's finally here and is popping up in the official Chrome 128 beta and the ChromeOS 127 beta. If you're curious you can download the Chrome beta from Google right here.

Utilizing the update, you can search for anything by circling it on your computer. Or, to be more accurate, dragging a box over content you're curious about. 

Google Lens on desktop

(Image credit: 9to5Google)

The Chrome and ChromeOS version is being renamed "Drag to Search," and can be enabled to by clicking on the new Google Lens icon that will be apart of the address bar on Chromebook. In regular Chrome for Windows or macOS you need to find the "Search with Google Lens" option in the overflow. It can immediately be pinned to the side panel for easier access, and it replaces the "Search with Google" option that is currently there.

Dragging over an area to search opens up the side panel with search results while also keeping the original tab open so you can keep scrolling if you'd like. 

The feature is described on the What's New in Chrome page:

"Google Lens in Chrome makes it easy to search anything you see on your screen. Search within a video you’re watching, a slide in a livestream, or an image on a webpage. Google Lens will give you answers right there, in your tab, and you can continue browsing with the new information you’ve found."

Circle to Search is one of the first AI features touted by tech companies that has actually made its way to their customers while also actually being useful.

If it's appearing in the official betas right now, that generally means the feature is close to dropping for everyone else. Unfortunately, we still don't know when exactly that will be. 

Perhaps Google will announce the feature during the Made by Google event on August 13 when the company reveals the new Pixel 9 lineup and the next Google smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3.

More from Tom's Guide

TOPICS
Scott Younker
West Coast Reporter

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. 

Read more
Google Chrome app on iPhone
iPhone users just got their own version of Google’s Circle to Search — here’s how it works
An image showing the Samsung Galaxy S24 with the Circle to Search feature being used on screen
I tested Circle to Search’s new features for the Galaxy S25 — here’s what happened
Google Lens illustrations
Google Lens just got smarter — new iPhone feature lets you search instantly
A photo of the Samsung Galaxy S24 in hand with the Circle to Search feature in use. The circle is half drawn.
Google's next big Circle to Search upgrade could involve automatic translation — here's what we know
Google Chromebook Face Control feature demo
Forget a mouse — Chromebooks can now be controlled with your face
and image of the Google Chrome logo on a laptop
Google Chrome just rolled out a huge AI upgrade to help protect you from scams
Latest in Chromebooks
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus playing Ninja Gaiden 2 Black with PS5 DualSense controller
I tried gaming on a Chromebook for a week — and it's better than I expected
Google Chromebook Face Control feature demo
Forget a mouse — Chromebooks can now be controlled with your face
HP Chromebook x360 holiday deal
Act fast! This HP Chromebook 2-in-1 is $230 off — just $199 right now
Chromebook Plus AI features
Chromebooks are taking on Copilot and Apple Intelligence with 5 new AI features
Acer Chromebook Plus 515 review unit on desk
Acer Chromebook Plus 515 review: This $400 laptop has killer speakers for the price
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus review unit on a desk
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus review
Latest in News
iPhone 17 Air render
New leaked iPhone 17 dummy units show off super-thin iPhone 17 Air with this surprising design tweak
Simone Ashley and Hero Fiennes Tiffin in "Picture This" now streaming on Prime Video
Prime Video top 10 has 3 must-watch movies — including a bubbly romcom starring 'Bridgerton's' Simone Ashley
(L-R) Josh Hartnett as Cooper and Ariel Donoghue as Riley in "Trap"
Netflix top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching right now
iOS 19 logo on an iPhone
Apple WWDC 2025: iOS 19 and everything we know so far
Siri
Siri 2.0 features reportedly only working ‘two-thirds to 80% of the time’
Jack Draper in action at Indian Wells 2025
How to watch Indian Wells men’s and women’s finals: live stream tennis online