Google Introduces Search Live with Voice Input Feature
Google has unveiled a new feature that allows users to engage in voice conversations with AI Mode through Search Live integration. This experimental feature enables users to ask complex, multi-part questions and explore web links in a free-flowing manner.
To access this feature, users simply need to open the Google app and tap on the “Live” icon to ask their question verbally. They will receive an AI-generated audio response and can continue the conversation by asking follow-up questions.
This announcement follows the recent rollout of AI Mode to all U.S. users, positioning Google as a competitor to popular services like Perplexity AI and OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search. With Search Live, Google aims to enhance its voice capabilities and provide a seamless user experience.
The feature is particularly useful for users on the go or multitasking. For example, users can ask practical questions like “How can I prevent wrinkles in a linen dress while packing for a trip?” and receive helpful tips. They can then follow up with additional queries to deepen their understanding.
During the conversation, users can easily access relevant links on their screen to further explore their search queries. Search Live operates in the background, allowing users to continue their conversation while using other apps. Additionally, users can view text responses, ask questions via typing, and access their Search Live history for reference.
Liza Ma, Google Search’s director of product management, explained that Search Live in AI Mode utilizes a custom version of Gemini with advanced voice capabilities. This ensures reliable and informative responses across various platforms and environments. The feature leverages query fan-out technique to present a diverse range of web content, facilitating a more enriching search experience.
Google plans to expand Live capabilities in AI Mode in the future, including the ability to ask questions based on real-time visual input from the phone’s camera. This innovative feature was previewed at Google I/O in May and showcases Google’s commitment to enhancing user interactions with AI technology.
