Google launches Search Live feature in AI mode: Here's how it works
Google
has officially launched
Search Live
, a new voice-activated feature that allows users to have conversational, back-and-forth interactions with
Google Search
through the company's mobile app. Available now for Android and iOS users in the United States who have opted into the
AI Mode
experiment in Labs, the feature transforms traditional search into a spoken dialogue powered by a custom version of Gemini.
Users can access Search Live by tapping a new "Live" icon in the Google app and verbally asking questions. The system responds with AI-generated audio answers and provides relevant web links on screen. The conversation remains active, allowing natural follow-up questions without restarting the search process. For example, users can ask about packing tips for travel and seamlessly follow up with specific questions about preventing wrinkles or organizing luggage.
Background conversations allow seamless multitasking
The feature operates in the background, enabling users to continue conversations while using other apps. A transcript button allows users to view text versions of responses and switch between voice and typed interactions. This functionality addresses the growing demand for hands-free search capabilities, particularly for users who are multitasking or on the go.
Search Live combines Google's established search infrastructure with advanced voice technology, maintaining the reliability users expect from Google Search while adding conversational capabilities. The system uses Google's "query fan-out technique" to display diverse web content, though concerns have emerged about whether this approach might reduce traffic to original sources, as users can receive complete information without clicking through to websites.
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Visual Search integration coming soon
Google plans to expand Search Live in the coming months with camera-based interactions, allowing users to show the system real-time visuals while maintaining voice conversations. This enhancement, announced at Google I/O earlier this year, will enable users to receive help with visual problems like math equations or real-world objects they encounter.
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