After previewing at I/O 2025, Google is beginning to test AI Mode’s new “Search Live” experience. Powered by Project Astra (just like Gemini Live), it lets you have a real-time conversation with Google.
If rolled out to you, the Google app will show a waveform badged by a sparkle underneath the Search bar. (That is curiously the same icon used by Gemini Live. As such, this must be Google’s icon for “Live” conversational experiences.) It replaces the left Google Lens shortcut that immediately opened your gallery/screenshots. Another way to launch Search Live is from the new circular button to the right of the text field in AI Mode conversations.
The fullscreen interface has a light or dark background with the new ‘G’ logo in the top-left corner. There’s a curved waveform in the Google colors, while pill-shaped buttons let you “Mute” and get a “Transcript.” Currently, that second button just opens the AI Mode text chat (ending the Live conversation) instead of showing you real-time captions.
Tap the three-dot overflow menu for Voice settings, with four options available: Cosmo, Neso, Terra, and Cassini.
After you ask a question, Search Live will surface sites used to inform the answer with a scrollable carousel. Google can ask you clarifying questions to refine your query, while you’re free to ask follow-ups.
You can exit the Google app and continue your conversation in the background.(The iOS app makes use of Live Activities.) As of today, Search Live’s camera capability that lets you stream video is not yet available. It’s similar to how Gemini Live first rolled out the voice experience before getting camera sharing.
Search Live is currently rolling out to the Google app Android and iOS (we have it on the latter platform). Our account is enrolled in Search Labs.
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