Google Launches Search Live In U.S.: Real-Time Voice-And-Camera Search

Google has launched Search Live in the United States, a new mode inside the Google app that lets people hold a spoken conversation with Search and, with permission, share the phone’s camera so the system can “see” a scene and respond in real time. The feature is available in English in the U.S. and no longer requires a Labs opt-in, Google said.

Search Live sits within AI Mode on Android and iOS. Users tap the Live button under the search bar to begin, or switch to Live from Google Lens for a camera-first flow. The experience is designed for hands-free, back-and-forth help with links to the open web, useful for tasks like travel planning, learning new skills, troubleshooting electronics, school projects, or picking a board game, according to Google’s launch note.

Early coverage from technology outlets confirms the rollout and core workflow, describing the Live icon inside the Google app and Lens and emphasising that results include source links.

In AI Mode, tapping Live opens a real-time session that combines voice and optional video input. You can speak follow-up questions instead of typing, while Search uses the camera view (if enabled) as context. Google’s support pages and product brief outline controls to mute the mic, toggle Video to share the camera feed, and open a Transcript of the conversation.

Search Live advances Google’s shift from “type-and-tap” queries toward situational, multimodal conversations. For users, it means quicker guidance when typing is inconvenient or when visuals are essential. For publishers, Google says responses still surface helpful web links, potentially preserving referral traffic from these conversational sessions.

The feature is live now in the U.S. (English). Google and media outlets signal India will be the first market outside the U.S. to receive Search Live; timing was not announced for Ghana or the wider African region.

Search Live builds on work showcased at Google I/O 2025, where Project Astra demonstrated low-latency, real-time multimodal understanding. Reporting at the time said Astra would power Search Live and related products, linking video, audio and on-device context to faster responses.

How to try it (U.S.)

1. Open the Google app on Android or iOS and tap Live under the search bar.
2. Or open Google Lens and select Live at the bottom to bring camera context straight into the session.
3. During a session, use on-screen controls to Mute/Unmute, toggle Video, and view the Transcript.