Google’s AI Mode can now have back-and-forth voice conversations

Google is rolling out the ability for users to have a back-and-forth voice conversation with AI Mode, its experimental Search feature that lets users ask complex, multi-part questions. With the new Search Live integration, users can have a free-flowing voice conversation with Search and explore links from across the web.

Users will be able to access the feature by opening the Google app and tapping the new “Live” icon to ask their question aloud. They will then hear an AI-generated audio response, and they can follow up with another question.

Today’s announcement comes a few weeks after Google rolled out AI Mode to everyone in the U.S. The launch of the feature was seen as Google’s answer to popular services like Perplexity AI and OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search. With this new update, Google is looking to take on those services’ respective voice modes.

Google says the feature will be useful in instances where you’re on the go or multitasking. For example, if you’re packing for a trip, you can ask a question like “What are some tips for preventing a linen dress from wrinkling in a suitcase?” You could follow up with another question like “What should I do if it still wrinkles?”

As you’re having the conversation, you’ll find links right on your screen if you want to dig deeper into your search.

Because Search Live works in the background, you can continue the conversation while in another app. Plus, you have the option to tap the “transcript” button to view the text response and continue to ask questions by typing if you’d like to. You can also revisit a Search Live response by navigating to your AI Mode history.

“Behind the scenes, Search Live in AI Mode uses a custom version of Gemini with advanced voice capabilities,” Liza Ma, the director of product management at Google Search, explained in a blog post. “Our custom model is built on Search’s best-in-class quality and information systems, so you still get reliable, helpful responses no matter where or how you’re asking your question. Search Live with voice also uses our query fan-out technique to show you a wider and more diverse set of helpful web content, enabling new opportunities for exploration.”

In the coming months, Google plans to bring more Live capabilities to AI Mode, including letting you ask questions based on what your phone’s camera is seeing in real time, as was previewed at Google I/O in May.