Google is now providing users with the ability to engage in back-and-forth voice conversations with AI Mode, an experimental feature in its Search platform that allows users to ask complex, multi-part questions. Through the new Search Live integration, users can have fluid voice interactions with Search and explore web links.
Accessing this feature is simple – users can open the Google app and tap on the new “Live” icon to ask their question out loud. They will then receive an AI-generated audio response and can continue the conversation with additional inquiries.
This update follows Google’s recent rollout of AI Mode to all users in the U.S. The introduction of this feature was positioned as Google’s response to popular services like Perplexity AI and OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search, aiming to compete with their respective voice features.
The feature is designed to be convenient for users who are on the move or multitasking, allowing them to ask questions, explore topics, and receive answers in real-time while engaging in other activities.
During the conversation, users can find related links on their screen to delve deeper into their searches. Search Live operates in the background, enabling users to continue their conversation even while using other apps. Additionally, users have the option to view text responses, ask further questions by typing, or revisit previous interactions through the AI Mode history.
According to Liza Ma, Director of Product Management at Google Search, the Search Live feature in AI Mode employs a customized version of Gemini with advanced voice capabilities, ensuring reliable and informative responses across various contexts. The system utilizes a query fan-out technique to present a wider range of web content, facilitating diverse exploration opportunities.
Google plans to introduce more Live capabilities to AI Mode in the future, such as enabling users to ask questions based on real-time visuals captured by their phone’s camera, as demonstrated at Google I/O in May.
