Several Samsung Galaxy users have noticed that the Circle to Search Lens feature is missing on the home screen. This feature was accessible by long-pressing the Home key. Now, Samsung has officially confirmed that this lens feature has been removed due to changes in the Google app.

Google’s Circle to Search Lens provides a useful way to find information by taking pictures or scanning text around you. Its removal may feel frustrating, but the good news is that you can still use similar features through the ‘Google Lens’ app.

Google Lens is a separate app that allows you to do many of the same things. You can identify objects, translate text, and find more information about images.

First, you need to install the app via the Google Play Store, search for “Google Lens,” and download the app. Once it’s installed, you can open it whenever you need to.

Using Google Lens is easy and can make your daily tasks simpler. For example, if you want to know about any dish is, or if you need to translate a file into another language, Google Lens can help you out.

The removal of the Circle to Search Lens might seem like a hassle for some Galaxy devices. It is easy to use but switching to the Google Lens app is a great alternative as it provides the same features.

Circle to Search: Samsung, Google’s AI Magic on Galaxy S24 FE

There’s a rumor that Samsung is searching for a new brand name for premium smartphones to show the company’s utmost competition against the iPhone.

The term ‘Galaxy’ defines Samsung’s entire smart device ecosystem but it primarily relates to smartphones. The Korean tech company has remained the sole champion in sales and market share for years.

The reason for this dominance is the Galaxy brand. It sells millions of smartphones each year in different categories including budget, mid-range, and premium. All of these have one word in common “Galaxy”.

The word Galaxy popularized this brand with premium smartphones in the S-series and Note-series. Since it also offers budget devices, Galaxy made a debut in the J series.

Later the Galaxy adopted for A and Y/F/M series. Ultra-premium foldable phones (Z series) also became a Galaxy member.

Hard to differentiate

A Korean media outlet Etoday recently reported that Samsung is having an internal discussion about a new premium smartphone brand. It says the company has no specific identification for its premium segment because all of its smartphones are now Galaxy.

This aspect would hurt its competitive edge against the iPhone, the best-selling premium device. Some analysts also see this situation as a lack of innovation.

Moreover, the innovation part is taking its global market share away each quarter. In the past two years, we’ve seen iPhone shipments taking over Galaxy devices.

Still, a new identity for the premium segment is a key to this whole conversation. Besides, Samsung is serving tablets, earbuds, smartwatches, and notebooks under the Galaxy brand. That makes the entire brand scenario a big complex for consumers.

In that case, bringing a new identity for premium smartphones will make more sense. This could also increase its efforts in competition against the Apple.

Chinese smartphone companies have become a nemesis for Samsung’s Galaxy brand in the past few years, especially Xiaomi.

The 2023 smartphone shipment data from Canalys ranked Samsung in second spot. It also lost more than 10 percent annual growth compared to 2022.

Though, it wasn’t the only one to lose its growth but Apple and Xiaomi reduced their decline to the lowest. Especially Apple, which releases only four iPhones a year and sells millions of units. On the other hand, Samsung rolled out many new devices in a year but now lags behind in shipment.

Despite being a high-priced device, the iPhone still rules sales over Samsung. That sums up a need for the Korean company to upgrade its strategy and strengthen competition with iPhones.

Why it’s important

Despite an edge-to-edge competition with Apple, Xiaomi, and other Chinese brands, Samsung still has huge advantages.

It uses in-house displays and cameras, brings powerful performance, and provides the latest Android + self-developed One UI features and after-sale software support. It optimizes these aspects to achieve durability and performance simultaneously.

You can get all of these in Samsung’s premium S-series smartphone. No other Android phone maker has this magnitude of self-reliance and user experience.

Some might side with Chinese smartphone maker but their after-sales experience may cool down these arguments. So, Samsung’s S-series phones are the sole competitor for iPhones.

A new smartphone IP would automatically represent Samsung’s top-of-the-line performance, power, better camera, and design for consumers.

Eventually, it will help them to understand the brand value of Samsung’s premium devices before and after launch. Furthermore, it would be able to bundle a few more features into these devices.

Will it happen?

Samsung has not published any statement on this matter but we’ll update this article if it arrives.

Hello, Sammy Fans! Here, we explore the final list of Samsung Galaxy devices that would get the One UI 7 update. The software will bring a refined UI, enhanced privacy and security, improved multitasking, optimized battery, and new customization tricks.

November has started and Samsung is said to take another 15 days to start the One UI 7 Beta. The company set a “end of the year “deadline, meaning the Beta Program might commence in mid-November before the final unveil in January next year.

One UI 7 Update: List of Eligible Devices

Thanks to Samsung’s track record and leaks, we now have a clearer picture of which Galaxy devices will be eligible for the One UI 7 upgrade.

Galaxy S Android 15 Update List

• Galaxy S21 Series
• Galaxy S21 FE
• Galaxy S22 Series
• Galaxy S23 Series
• Galaxy S23 FE
• Galaxy S24 Series
• Galaxy S24 FE

Galaxy Z Android 15 Update List

• Galaxy Z Flip 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
• Galaxy Z Fold 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Note: These flagship models are Samsung’s top priority, ensuring they will be among the first to experience One UI 7.

Galaxy Tab Android 15 Update List

• Galaxy Tab S10+ / S10 Ultra
• Galaxy Tab A9 / A9+
• Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro
• Galaxy Tab S8 / S8+ / Tab S8 Ultra
• Galaxy Tab S9 / S9+ / S9 Ultra
• Galaxy Tab S9 FE / S9 FE+

Not only flagships, but Samsung has a reliable track record for rolling out updates to mid-range and budget devices.

Galaxy A/M/F Android 15 Update List

• Galaxy A06
• Galaxy A05s / A15 / A25 /A35 /A55
• Galaxy A14 / A24 / A34 / A54
• Galaxy A33 / A53 / A73
• Galaxy M14 / F14
• Galaxy M34 / M54 / F54
• Galaxy M35 /M55 / F55

Do note that the list is compiled on previous rollouts, software guarantees, and experience.

Flagships released before the S21 series won’t be eligible for the One UI 7 update. Samsung has significantly boosted software support across ranges. However, some popular models like the A52, A72, and A52s are no longer eligible.