APP-SURD!
Apple accused of ‘copying’ top Android and Samsung feature with new iPhone 16 camera button
See how the feature works on Android in the video above
ANDROID fans couldn't help noticing that Apple has introduced a brand new button on the iPhone 16 that's very similar to Google's Circle to Search.
Circle to Search was launched on Samsung Galaxy S24 devices first in January.
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It allows people to search anything visual instantly with by circling it with their finger.
You can do it with a photo, app or web page you have open.
Now Apple has introduced something similar with a new camera button on the iPhone 16.
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The tech giant demonstrated how tapping the new button can also be used to search for anything visual - though you don't need to circle specific elements.
For example, use it over a restaurant you've seen out and about and Apple Intelligence will show you more information, such as menus and reviews.
"Did Apple just copy Google Lens? hahaha," one user wrote on X.
"that new button is like circle to search of apple," another said.
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"Yea, Android users have been addicted to Circle to search too, it's too convenient," a third commented.
"Looks like Apple brought a similar feature."
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The new button can also be used to simply start taking a photo or shooting a video.
But it's not the only button change, with enhancements to the Action button too.
You can now tweak the feature to carry out other actions of your choosing.
This could be a simple on/off for the flashlight or open an app.
It can be customised to do alternative tasks at different times of the day or depending on your location as well.
it'll still control your iPhone 16's ringer. If you head into your phone's Settings app you can then reprogram the Action button to perform a wide variety of other tasks.
iPhone tricks to try today
Here are some of the best...
- Typing cursor – When typing, hold down the space bar to turn your keyboard into a trackpad, letting you move around words and sentences more easily
- Close all Safari tabs – To do this in one go, simply hold the overlapped squares in the bottom right-hand corner, and press close all tabs
- Delete lots of photos quickly – Hold down on a photo and then drag your finger diagonally in Photos to select lots of images at once, then hit delete
- Convert currency quickly – Swipe down from the top of your Home screen (or swipe left to right on an iPhone X or later model), then tap in the bar and type a currency (like $200) and it will automatically covert to your local currency
- Check if you're due a battery upgrade – Batteries inside smartphones degrade over time. Just go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health, and check out the Maximum Capacity reading. Generally a battery is considered worn when you're down to 80% capacity. If you're below, you can buy a battery swap from Apple
- Move apps around faster – Hold an app until it starts wiggling, then (while still holding) tap other apps, causing them to stack so you can move them around easier
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