Google has officially rolled out a new voice-first feature called Search Live inside its flagship Google Search app on both Android and iOS but only for users who have opted into the AI Mode experiment through Search Labs.
This new feature allows users to conduct real-time, back-and-forth voice conversations with Google Search and turn what used to be a transactional, one-line query process into a continuous, intelligent interaction.
This is not the camera or video version of Search Live that was demoed earlier at Google I/O this update is purely audio-based and it is changing the way we interact with Google.
What Is Google Search Live
Search Live lets you talk to Google and actually have a back-and-forth conversation with it. You open the Google app and right below the search bar, there is a new “Live” icon. Tap it and you can speak your question out loud, no typing needed.
In response, Google’s AI speaks back to you, just like a voice assistant but smarter.
And it does not stop at one question. You can keep going with follow-up questions and Google keeps up. You do not need to rephrase or start from scratch each time. It remembers the context of what you are talking about, so your conversation flows naturally.
How Google Search Live Works Behind the Scenes with AI Mode
This new feature is powered by a special version of Gemini, Google’s AI model, which has been fine-tuned to understand voice, context and conversation.
The best part? It is not just hearing keywords and giving a quick answer but listening like a real person, remembering what you said and giving thoughtful responses that build on the conversation.
What’s cool is that while you are talking and listening, Google also shows relevant links and pages on your screen.
So, if you are holding your phone, you can tap on any of the suggestions. But even if you are not looking at the screen, you still get a useful spoken response and later, you can check the transcript of the conversation inside your AI Mode history.
That means your searches are not lost. You can go back, review what was said and even continue the conversation by typing, if you do rather not speak out loud. It is flexible, it is helpful and it fits into how we live today.
Why Google Is Doing This
According to Rajan Patel, Google’s VP, the goal is simple: make search more natural.
Search Live with voice is rolling out today in AI Mode! Now you can ask anything, have a back-and-forth conversation with Search and get an instant audio response – with on-screen links to explore more on the web. Just make sure you’re opted into the AI Mode Labs experiment in… pic.twitter.com/7kNH0Wt07F
— Rajan Patel (@rajanpatel) June 18, 2025
“Search Live with voice is rolling out today in AI Mode! Now you can ask anything, have a back-and-forth conversation with Search and get an instant audio response – with on-screen links to explore more on the web.”
This is not just about making things hands-free. It is about making search something you can talk to just like you do talk to a friend or an expert.
If you are cooking, walking or packing for a trip, you don’t need to stop everything to search for something. You just ask.
Where and How to Access Google Search Live in AI Mode
Right now, Search Live is only available in the U.S. and only if you are part of the AI Mode Labs experiment.
If that is you and you are using the latest version of the Google app on your Android or iPhone, you will see the Live icon under the search bar. Tap that and you are in.
You don’t need a separate app like Gemini to use this. It is built right into Google Search, which is a smart move by Google and it keeps everything in one place where people are already used to searching.
The Camera Feature Is Still Coming
Now, if you watched Google’s I/O event and were excited about being able to point your camera at something and ask, “What’s this?” you will still need to wait a bit. That camera-based feature is part of the broader Search Live experience but it is not yet live in the Google app.
However, Google has confirmed it is on the way. In fact, they said:
“In the coming months, we look forward to bringing even more Live capabilities to AI Mode, including using your camera when you talk back-and-forth so you can show Search what you’re seeing in real time.”
So yes, the future of search will let you speak and show at the same time.
How to Use Google Search Live in AI Mode on Android and iOS
Here is the part everyone’s wondering: Can I use this right now? Yes—if you are in the U.S. and have opted into AI Mode in Search Labs.
To access it:
- Open the Google app on Android or iOS.
- Ensure you are part of the Labs experiment.
- Look for the new Live icon under the search bar.
- Tap it, speak and start your conversation with Search.
If you don’t see it yet, don’t panic because it is rolling out gradually and availability is limited to U.S. users for now.
The Gemini Advantage Powering Google Search Live
What makes Search Live so effective is the Gemini model running behind it. This is not your average voice assistant like Google Assistant or Siri.
Gemini is trained to understand multi-turn dialogue, which means it keeps track of your ongoing conversation.
Well let’s say you ask, “What’s the weather in Rome this weekend?” and then say, “How about Milan?”
Google knows you are still asking about the weather. You don’t have to repeat the full sentence every time it just gets what you mean.
That kind of context awareness is a new innovation for search.
Gemini also supports multimodal input, meaning in the near future it will be able to combine voice, images, text and more into one seamless experience.
That is already happening in tools like Gemini Live and Lens and now we are seeing those features come together in the core Google app.
How Google Search Live Signals a Major Shift in Search Philosophy
Search Live is not just a feature but it is part of a bigger paradigm shift.
This signals Google’s move from keyword-based search to natural, conversational, context-driven discovery. It is the same shift we are seeing with tools like ChatGPT voice mode, Microsoft Copilot and Perplexity AI.
But Google still holds the cards with its unmatched search index, making Search Live the perfect marriage of AI + web exploration.
What’s Next?
According to Robby Stein, VP of Product at Google:
“We’re excited to bring even more interactive features to AI Mode over time.”
Google has also added the Lens feature to AI Mode recently which enables image-based searches. So you can expect more multimodal experiences, deeper AI integration and possibly real-time camera vision, all baked directly into your Google Search app.
Search Live is the beginning of a new era that means search as a conversation, not just a query box. And with Google leading that charge, it is time we all start listening literally.
Dileep Thekkethil
AuthorDileep Thekkethil is the Director of Marketing at Stan Ventures, where he applies over 15 years of SEO and digital marketing expertise to drive growth and authority. A former journalist with six years of experience, he combines strategic storytelling with technical know-how to help brands navigate the shift toward AI-driven search and generative engines. Dileep is a strong advocate for Google’s EEAT standards, regularly sharing real-world use cases and scenarios to demystify complex marketing trends. He is an avid gardener of tropical fruits, a motor enthusiast, and a dedicated caretaker of his pair of cockatiels.