Google has taken a major step toward making AI interactions more conversational with the launch of Search Live voice capabilities for its AI Mode feature. Announced on June 18, 2025, the update enables users to have natural, spoken conversations with Google's search engine.
The new feature allows users to ask complex questions aloud and receive AI-generated audio responses, with the ability to ask follow-up questions in a continuous conversation. To access Search Live, users need to open the Google app on Android or iOS, tap the new "Live" icon under the search bar, and speak their query.
"Behind the scenes, Search Live in AI Mode uses a custom version of Gemini with advanced voice capabilities," explained Liza Ma, Director of Product Management at Google Search. The technology leverages Google's query fan-out technique to display diverse web content alongside voice responses, providing users with multiple sources to explore.
Search Live is particularly useful for multitasking scenarios. For example, users packing for a trip could ask, "What are some tips for preventing a linen dress from wrinkling in a suitcase?" and then follow up with, "What should I do if it still wrinkles?" The conversation continues seamlessly even when using other apps or when the screen is locked.
The feature includes a "transcript" button that allows users to view text versions of responses and switch between voice and typing within the same conversation. Search history is preserved, enabling users to revisit previous Search Live sessions through their AI Mode history.
This launch comes just weeks after Google rolled out AI Mode to all U.S. users following its announcement at Google I/O 2025. The company plans to expand Search Live's capabilities in the coming months, including camera integration that will allow users to show Search what they're seeing in real-time, as previewed at I/O.
The voice conversation feature positions Google to compete more directly with services like Perplexity AI and OpenAI's ChatGPT Search, which offer similar voice interaction capabilities. It represents part of Google's broader strategy to integrate advanced AI capabilities across its product ecosystem.