Google AI Voice Conversations: New Back-and-Forth Mode
Google Enhances AI Mode with Conversational Voice Search
Google is currently deploying an update that allows users to engage in spoken dialogue with its experimental AI Mode feature within Search. This advancement enables users to pose intricate, multi-faceted questions and receive responses in a conversational manner.
The new integration with Search Live facilitates a natural, free-flowing voice exchange with Search, alongside the ability to explore relevant web links.
Accessing the New Feature
Users can initiate this functionality by launching the Google app and selecting the newly introduced “Live” icon. Questions can then be asked verbally.
Following the initial query, an audio response generated by AI will be provided, prompting users to continue the conversation with follow-up questions.
Responding to Competitive Landscape
This announcement follows the recent wider release of AI Mode to users across the U.S. The feature is widely considered Google’s response to emerging services like Perplexity AI and OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search.
With this latest update, Google aims to directly compete with the voice-enabled modes offered by these alternative platforms.
Practical Applications
Google highlights the utility of this feature for users who are mobile or engaged in other tasks.
For instance, while preparing for a trip, a user could inquire about methods to prevent wrinkles in linen clothing during packing. A subsequent question regarding solutions for already wrinkled items could then be posed.
Enhanced Search Exploration
Relevant links are displayed directly on the screen during the conversation, allowing users to delve deeper into their search topic.
Search Live operates in the background, enabling continued dialogue even while using other applications.
Users also have the option to view a text transcript of the conversation and continue asking questions via typing. Previously conducted Search Live interactions can be revisited through the AI Mode history.
Underlying Technology
“Search Live in AI Mode leverages a specialized version of Gemini, equipped with advanced voice processing capabilities,” explains Liza Ma, Director of Product Management at Google Search, in a recent blog post.
“This customized model is built upon Search’s established quality and information systems, ensuring consistently reliable and informative responses regardless of the input method.
Furthermore, Search Live with voice utilizes a query fan-out technique to present a broader and more diverse range of helpful web content, fostering greater opportunities for discovery.”
Future Developments
Google intends to expand the Live capabilities of AI Mode in the coming months.
Planned additions include the ability to ask questions based on real-time visual input from the user’s phone camera, as demonstrated during Google I/O in May.
