On Wednesday, Google introduced a new feature named Search Live in AI Mode, which is currently being tested in the United States. This functionality allows users to engage in real-time conversations within the Google Search app, offering an interactive experience similar to Gemini Live. The feature was unveiled during the company’s I/O 2025 keynote presentation held in May, positioned as an addition to the AI Mode. Search Live operates on a specialized version of the Gemini AI and integrates voice input capabilities, enhancing the ability to ask not only initial queries but also follow-up questions.
Search Live in AI Mode
According to a blog post from Google, Search Live utilizes the same unique version of Gemini as AI Mode and includes advanced voice features. Users can access the new functionality via a waveform icon located beneath the search bar in the Google app for both Android and iOS devices. Selecting this icon opens a full-screen interface for Search Live, which presents two options: mute and transcript.
The transcript option allows users to read text responses and continue the conversation through taps rather than voice commands. Additionally, it provides links to relevant websites on-screen for users seeking more information.
Google indicated that Search Live operates seamlessly in the background, allowing users to exit the Google app while maintaining active conversations. They can also revisit previous discussions through the AI Mode history. The company emphasized that the feature employs a query fan-out technique, presenting users with a wide variety of pertinent content from across the web.
Currently, Search Live is being tested as part of an opt-in experiment within Search Labs and is only accessible in the US, with plans for a broader rollout to other regions still forthcoming.
While the initial iteration of Search Live in AI Mode focuses on voice commands, Google has announced plans to enhance the feature further by allowing users to use their device’s camera to ask questions about objects in real-time over the coming months.
Previous reports have indicated that the feature includes options for four distinct voices—Cosmo, Neso, Terra, and Cassini—available for selection through a menu in the Search Live interface.
