Google’s Search Live feature with voice input is now available on its app for iOS and Android in the US. You’ll have to opt in to AI Mode in Labs to be able to access it, but after you do, you’ll be able to have a back-and-forth voice conversation with Search. To use the feature, open the Google app and tap on the new Live icon to verbally ask a question. Google will respond with AI-generated audio, as well, and you’ll be able to ask follow-up questions naturally. Under the hood, the feature is powered by a custom version of Gemini with advanced voice capabilities.
The company says it’s the perfect feature for when you’re on the go or multitasking, like packing a bag. In the example Google used, the user asked Search how to prevent linen dresses from wrinkling in a suitcase and it responded verbally. The user then asked a couple of follow-up questions without having to exit the Search Live screen or having to tap the Live icon again. You can continue your chat even if you open another app, and you can also see a transcript of Google’s responses and then type in more questions if you want to shift to written conversation.
While the feature has the potential to be a convenient tool, the sources Google takes its information from might not see any traffic from the interaction. Google does show links from across the web on the Search Live screen, but they’re displayed in tiny cards and can completely be ignored if the user is indeed doing something else while talking to Search.
In the coming months, the company is expanding Search Live with the capability to show and ask Search about what you’re seeing in real time. Google announced that particular ability at I/O this year. As an example, Google said you can show Search a difficult math problem and ask it to help you solve it or to explain a concept you’re having difficulty grasping.