Google is enhancing its search functionality with the introduction of Search Live in AI Mode, enabling users to engage in conversational exchanges with the company’s AI chatbot directly within the search engine. This feature is currently being made available to Labs users in the US. While it does not support camera sharing at this time, Google has indicated that this capability will be added in the near future.
With Search Live, users can interact with a tailored version of Google’s Gemini as they search the internet in real-time. The feature is accessible through the Google app on both Android and iOS devices, where it expands the user experience by allowing users to ask questions verbally about objects that they physically point their camera at.
Last month, Google announced its plans to incorporate Search Live into AI Mode, which has just recently been made available to a wider audience in the United States. This initiative is part of Google’s broader strategy to evolve its search engine, which includes innovations such as podcast-like Audio Overviews being introduced into search results.
Users interested in exploring Search Live in AI Mode can join the AI Mode experiment through Google Labs. After opting in, they can access the Google app on their mobile devices and click on the new “Live” icon to initiate a conversation. For instance, they can ask, “What are some tips for preventing a linen dress from wrinkling in a suitcase?” The AI will respond audibly, allowing for further questions, such as “What should I do if it still wrinkles?” during the exchange, all while also providing relevant links to assist the user.
Several other AI technology companies have developed voice interaction features for their platforms, including OpenAI’s Advanced Voice Mode for ChatGPT, launched last year, and Anthropic’s voice mode for its Claude application introduced in May. Additionally, Apple is working on an “LLM Siri,” although its launch has been postponed due to reliability challenges, according to Apple software SVP Craig Federighi.
According to Google, Search Live functions seamlessly in the background, permitting users to maintain their dialogue with the chatbot even while navigating other applications. Users can also access a “transcript” option to view the conversation’s text and can reply by typing if preferred. Previous conversations with Search Live will be stored in the user’s AI Mode history for future reference.
