Google has initiated testing of a new feature within its AI Mode called Search Live, designed to facilitate real-time, conversational interactions with users. This development, powered by Project Astra, was previewed at the I/O 2025 conference and is now being rolled out to select users.
Introduction to Search Live
Search Live represents a significant evolution in Google’s search capabilities, offering users the ability to engage in dynamic, voice-driven conversations with the search engine. This feature aims to provide more intuitive and immediate responses to user queries, moving beyond traditional text-based search methods.
Accessing Search Live
Users can access Search Live through the Google app, where a waveform icon adorned with a sparkle appears beneath the search bar. This icon replaces the previous Google Lens shortcut, which directly opened the device’s gallery or screenshots. Additionally, within AI Mode conversations, a new circular button adjacent to the text field allows users to initiate Search Live sessions.
User Interface and Functionality
Upon activation, Search Live presents a full-screen interface featuring a light or dark background, depending on user settings. The interface displays the new ‘G’ logo in the top-left corner and a curved, multicolored waveform indicative of active listening. Users have access to controls such as Mute and Transcript. Currently, selecting Transcript transitions the user to the AI Mode text chat, effectively ending the live conversation, rather than providing real-time captions.
An overflow menu offers voice settings with four distinct options: Cosmo, Neso, Terra, and Cassini, allowing users to customize their auditory experience.
Interactive Search Experience
Search Live enhances the search experience by surfacing relevant websites in a scrollable carousel, providing users with sources that inform the AI-generated responses. The system is designed to ask clarifying questions to refine user queries and supports follow-up questions, fostering a more interactive and personalized search process.
Background Operation and Future Enhancements
A notable feature of Search Live is its ability to continue conversations in the background, even when users exit the Google app. On iOS devices, this functionality leverages Live Activities to maintain the interaction. While the current rollout focuses on voice interactions, future updates are expected to incorporate camera capabilities, enabling users to stream video as part of their search queries.
Availability
As of June 2025, Search Live is being gradually introduced to users of the Google app on both Android and iOS platforms. Access is currently limited to accounts enrolled in Search Labs, allowing Google to gather user feedback and refine the feature before a broader release.
Conclusion
The introduction of Search Live within Google’s AI Mode signifies a substantial advancement in search technology, emphasizing real-time, conversational interactions. By integrating voice and, in the future, video capabilities, Google aims to provide a more intuitive and engaging search experience, aligning with the evolving needs of users in an increasingly digital world.
