# Scan a Barcode or QR Code, and It’ll Immediately Reveal What You Need to Know
In the current rapid-paced digital environment, effectiveness is essential. Whether you are shopping, seeking information, or maneuvering through applications, the capacity to swiftly obtain data can have a considerable impact. One of the most user-friendly tools that have surfaced recently is the ability to scan barcodes and QR codes. These small, frequently disregarded symbols can instantly grant you access to the needed information, and thanks to the latest technological advancements, this process has become significantly smoother.
## What You Should Know
– **Circle to Search** now automatically scans barcodes and QR codes, enhancing the speed of information retrieval.
– The AI visual lookup scans QR codes and barcodes through the viewfinder, displaying a chip with a direct URL link.
– Available on compatible Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices, you can activate it by long-pressing the home button or navigation handle.
## The Progression of Barcode and QR Code Scanning
Google’s **Circle to Search** feature has been recently upgraded to auto-scan barcodes and QR codes, turning it into a robust tool for swiftly accessing information. This new AI visual lookup functionality enables users to scan QR codes and barcodes straight through their device’s viewfinder. Once a code is identified, a convenient chip appears on the screen, offering a direct link to the relevant website or information.
This functionality is presently accessible on compatible Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy gadgets. To use it, users just need to long-press the home button or navigation handle, and the Circle to Search tool will take care of the rest.
## How It Operates
Circle to Search serves as an intelligent visual search tool that assesses the content on your screen and delivers pertinent information based on what you highlight or circle. If a QR code or barcode is in view on your screen, the feature will autonomously scan it without needing any more input from you.
After the code is scanned, the feature exhibits a chip with a URL or other important information. This enables you to promptly reach the website or data associated with the code, conserving you the time and effort of manually entering a URL or searching for the information.
## A Real-World Illustration
In a demonstration by Mishaal Rahman, a renowned tech enthusiast, the Circle to Search feature was showcased in action. Rahman accessed a website featuring a QR code, and Circle to Search instantly transformed the code into a clickable URL. This minor yet impactful adjustment enormously enhances the user experience by removing unnecessary steps and facilitating quicker access to data.
## Expanding to More Devices
Google initially launched this feature in July, and it has progressively been rolling out to additional devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. This update is part of Google’s comprehensive initiative to refine the Circle to Search feature, improving its versatility and user-friendliness.
To experiment with this new capability, simply navigate to a webpage or open an image containing a QR code on a compatible device. Then, long-press the home button or navigation handle to activate Circle to Search. The feature will automatically scan the code and present a chip with the pertinent information.
## Boosting User Experience
Although the ability to scan barcodes and QR codes may appear as a minor feature, it significantly influences the overall user experience. By eliminating extra steps and rendering data access more intuitive, this update simplifies the process for users to swiftly obtain the information they require.
In addition to the auto-scan feature, Google has also launched a new **Share button** within Circle to Search. This enables users to effortlessly share selected content with their contacts, further improving the convenience and functionality of the tool.
## Conclusion
The capability to scan barcodes and QR codes has morphed into a crucial feature in contemporary smartphones, and Google’s latest overhaul of Circle to Search elevates this functionality to new heights. By automating the scanning process and offering immediate access to relevant information, this feature facilitates easier navigation through the digital realm.
As this technology continuously develops, we can anticipate even more groundbreaking features that will further simplify our interactions with digital content. For now, the ability to scan a barcode or QR code and instantly acquire the information you need is a formidable tool that boosts both productivity and convenience.
