Google has recently introduced search live in AI Mode, which is a new feature within the Google app for android and IOS that lets users experience real-time, voice-activated conversations with Google search. 

This extends the AI Mode experiment from Google Labs and is now available for users who have opted in.

What Does it Do

Search live has been created to enhance searching by making it much more natural and hands-free, notably when you are doing many activities together or when you are commuting. 

For example, you have to attend a formal event, and want information on how to prevent wrinkles in a linen dress. 

All you need to do is click on the “Live” icon in the Google app and utter your question. Google’s AI will reply back verbally and you can then continue the conversation with follow-up questions, just like you would do with a person.

How Does it Work

• Conversation History: You can always access Search Live sessions through your AI mode history.
• Real-time Conversation: The main point of Search live is its ability to engage in continuous and back-and-forth conversations.
• Web Links: Apart from spoken responses, suitable web links are displayed on your screen, which you can dive deeper into topics.
• Gemini-Powered: This feature makes use of a custom-made version of Google’s Gemini AI model, specially designed for advanced voice interactions. It makes use of Google’s wide information infrastructure to provide accurate and useful responses.
• Visual Cues and Controls: When triggered, you’ll see a sparkle-badged waveform icon beneath the search bar (or a dedicated button). This can be seen in light or dark mode and also has mute and unmute options and a transcript as well to switch to text-based interaction.
• “Query Fan-Out” Technique: To offer users a wide range of information, Search Live uses a “query fan-out” method that expands the net of web content it retrieves. 
• Seamless Integration: A great trait of this innovative feature is that you can use it even if your phone is locked or need to switch to another app. Search Live will run in the background.

Future Enhancements

Google has plans to further improve Search Live’s capabilities in the coming months, as well as integration of camera input. 

This will let users show Google what they can see in real-time and even ask any questions related to it, making searches way more natural and tailored to your specific needs.