Google has begun rolling out a new voice conversation feature—called Search Live—within its experimental AI Mode in the Google app. The feature enables real-time, back-and-forth voice interactions with Google’s Gemini-powered assistant directly from search. Available now to U.S. users enrolled in Search Labs, Search Live marks a significant step in making search more natural and conversational.
🚀 What’s New?
- Live voice chat with AI Mode
Users tap a waveform icon beneath the search bar to speak aloud, ask follow-ups, and explore web results—all hands-free. The AI responds with spoken replies, while showing related links on screen - Seamless multitasking
The voice chat works in the background, meaning you can switch apps or even lock your phone while the conversation continues . - Transcript and follow-up support
A “Transcript” button lets you switch to text and review past responses, enabling deeper dialogue and clarity - Powered by Gemini-based voice model
Behind the scenes, Google is using a customized version of Gemini with enhanced voice capabilities and a “query fan-out” technique to deliver diverse web insights - Coming soon: visual understanding
In the coming months, Google plans to let users point their camera at objects during live chats—combining visual recognition with voice interaction
🧩 Why It Matters
- Revolutionizes search interaction
Instead of typing or tapping, you can now converse naturally with search—ideal for cooking, travel, or daily tasks. - Hands-free convenience
Perfect for multitasking: ask how to pack a linen dress for travel while on the go, get spoken tips, and ask follow-ups fluidly - Competitive edge
With similar voice modes in ChatGPT (advanced voice), Anthropic’s Claude, and Apple’s delayed LLM‑powered Siri, Google is bolstering its AI offerings to remain competitive
🔍 How It Works
- Enable via Search Labs
U.S. users must enroll in Search Labs and opt into AI Mode. A waveform icon appears beneath the search bar. - Start talking
Tap the icon and ask your question. Follow-ups are easy: just keep speaking, and the AI continues the thread. - Get audio replies + links
Google answers vocally, while presenting clickable links. - Manage transcripts
Tap “Transcript” to view and continue conversations in text. - Background mode
You can lock your phone or open other apps—the voice chat keeps going until manually stopped - Voice tuning options
Business Standard mentions voice settings labeled Cassini, Cosmo, Neso, and Terra—likely tuning modes for different vocal styles
🔭 What’s Next?
- Visual voice chat
Soon, point your camera and ask questions out loud—Google I/O showcased this upcoming “Project Astra” integration - Broader rollout
Initially U.S.-only, wider availability is expected after testing feedback. - Future AI Mode enhancements
Google plans to add agent-based functionality—like task completion—plus deeper web understanding through “Project Mariner”
🌐 Context & Background
- AI Mode launched earlier this year
In March 2025, Google unveiled AI Mode in Search, offering conversational answers to complex queries by leveraging Gemini 2.5 business-standard - Building toward audio innovation
Search Live builds on Audio Overviews—short podcast‑style summaries—and Gemini Live voice chat within the Gemini app
✅ Final Take
Search Live is a bold step toward transforming search from keyboard to voice, delivering natural, hands‑free conversation backed by reliable web results. With background operation, transcripts, and soon visual input, the feature positions Google at the forefront of AI‑powered search. As Search Labs users explore this new mode, feedback will shape wider rollout—and help define the future of conversational search.
