Google’s Gemini Live is expanding its native audio capabilities across Android devices, aiming to provide users with more responsive and expressive interactions. This enhancement was initially introduced during the Pixel 10 launch and is now becoming more widely available.
In August, Google announced upcoming model updates, likely referring to the Gemini 2.5 Flash Live API native audio, designed to significantly enhance Gemini Live’s understanding and utilization of human speech elements such as intonation, rhythm, and pitch. For instance, if a user communicates in a stressed tone or discusses a stressful topic, Gemini Live can respond with a calmer, more measured voice to suit the context.
Users also have the option to customize Gemini’s speech characteristics. This includes selecting different accents, such as British or Australian, and adjusting the speech rate to be slower or faster. These settings remain active for the duration of the conversation but reset when a new conversation begins. To revisit previous settings, users can access the chat transcript and tap the Live button in the corner.
As of late August, Google indicated that these features would roll out in the coming weeks. Recently, there has been a broader availability of these enhancements, particularly for users with paid Google AI Pro accounts, across Pixel and other Android smartphones.
In addition to native audio, Gemini Live has introduced visual guidance features that highlight real-world objects. This functionality, which debuted on the Pixel 10 series, is now widely available on Android devices, including those with free accounts. By incorporating commands like show me or where is, users can trigger a rounded rectangle that slightly dims the background and focuses on the specified object, providing a more interactive experience.
Currently, these native audio and visual guidance features are not available on iOS devices.
Furthermore, the Gemini app has undergone a redesign of the fullscreen Google Account menu on both Android and iOS platforms. This update aligns the Gemini app’s interface with the Google app, utilizing the entire page and requiring users to scroll down to access Settings.
These developments reflect Google’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user interactions through more natural and intuitive conversational experiences.
