Google Unveils 'Search Live': A Voice-Activated Feature for AI Mode Users

Google has officially launched 'Search Live,' a cutting-edge voice-based feature available in its Android and iOS applications for users participating in the AI Mode Labs experiment. Announced on June 21, 2025, this feature allows users to engage in real-time, interactive conversations with Google Search, significantly enhancing the user experience by enabling audio responses, transcripts, and direct access to relevant web links.

According to T Ivan Nischal, a technology reporter with Telangana Today, 'Search Live' is currently available to users in the United States who are enrolled in the AI Mode experiment. This innovative feature is particularly beneficial for multitasking, allowing users to ask spontaneous questions while managing other activities, such as preparing for travel.

With the introduction of 'Search Live,' users can pose natural, spoken inquiries, such as, "What are some tips for preventing a linen dress from wrinkling in a suitcase?" In response, they receive an AI-generated audio reply and can seamlessly ask follow-up questions, for instance, "What should I do if it still wrinkles?" Additionally, relevant web links will display on the screen, facilitating deeper exploration of the topic.

What distinguishes 'Search Live' from previous features is its ability to function in the background. Users can continue their conversations while utilizing other applications, making it an ideal tool for individuals on the go. The feature includes a transcript button, allowing users to view text versions of audio responses and pose further questions. Users can also revisit their conversation history by accessing the AI Mode history.

This feature is powered by a custom version of Google’s Gemini model, which enhances the quality of information users receive. The query fan-out technique utilized by 'Search Live' ensures that users are presented with a broader and more diverse range of web content that promotes meaningful discovery. To activate 'Search Live,' users must opt into the AI Mode experiment within the Labs section of the app. Upon activation, a 'Live' icon will appear beneath the search bar.

Google is actively encouraging feedback from users to refine and improve the functionality of 'Search Live.' Furthermore, the company is planning to expand the capabilities of this feature in the coming months. Future updates may include the integration of smartphone camera functionality, enabling users to visually share what they are seeing, thus allowing for even richer and more contextual interactions.

The launch of 'Search Live' is part of Google's broader strategy to integrate advanced artificial intelligence features into its services, aligning with evolving user demands for more interactive and efficient search experiences. By enhancing user engagement through voice interactions, Google aims to solidify its position as a leader in the tech industry.

In conclusion, 'Search Live' represents a significant advancement in voice-activated technology, paving the way for more dynamic and user-friendly search capabilities. As Google continues to innovate, the implications of such features extend beyond mere convenience, redefining how users interact with information and technology in their daily lives. The future of search is evolving, and with it, the relationship between users and digital platforms will undoubtedly transform in profound ways.