Google has begun testing a new interactive feature called Search Live, part of its AI Mode experience first previewed at I/O 2025. Built on the same Project Astra foundation that powers Gemini Live, the feature enables users to engage in real-time, back-and-forth conversations directly within the Google app—marking another step toward more fluid, voice-first interactions with search.
If you’re among those included in the early test, you’ll notice a waveform icon with a sparkle badge underneath the main search bar in the Google app. This new entry point replaces the Lens shortcut, previously used for launching image-based searches via your photo gallery. Alternatively, users in AI Mode conversations will find a new circular button on the right side of the text field to launch Search Live.
Once activated, Search Live opens in a full-screen interface that shifts between light and dark themes depending on your device settings. A colorful waveform pulses across the screen, accompanied by the Google ‘G’ logo in the top left and pill-shaped controls to mute the microphone or view a transcript. However, at this stage, the transcript button merely redirects to the AI Mode text chat, ending the live interaction instead of providing real-time captions—a feature that could be refined in later updates.
Tapping the three-dot menu gives users access to Voice Settings, offering a selection of vocal personas: Cosmo, Neso, Terra, and Cassini—likely tied to Google’s efforts in building more natural and diverse AI voices.
When you pose a question to Search Live, Google presents a scrollable carousel of the websites used to inform its response, ensuring transparency. The assistant may also ask clarifying questions, helping to refine or redirect your search, and users are encouraged to ask follow-ups as part of a continuing dialogue.
The feature also supports background operation, allowing conversations to continue even after exiting the app. On iOS, this functionality leverages Live Activities for a seamless experience.
Currently, Search Live does not yet support video input—an anticipated feature that mirrors the rollout path of Gemini Live, which began as a voice-only tool before expanding to include camera-based interactions.
As of now, Search Live is available to some Android and iOS users enrolled in Search Labs, Google’s experimental testing environment for early feature access. While still in a limited rollout phase, it reflects Google’s continued investment in real-time, multimodal AI interfaces that go beyond traditional text or voice-only search.
