Google “Search Live” feature goes global: voice and camera search reach 200 countries

Google is fundamentally changing how the world interacts with information by launching Search Live globally. The feature, which transitions traditional search from a text-based experience into a real-time multimodal conversation, is now available in over 200 countries and territories where Google’s "AI Mode" is active.

Announced on March 26, 2026, the expansion is powered by the new Gemini 3.1 Flash Live model.

This high-speed, natively multilingual engine allows users to speak to Search in their preferred language, supporting over 98 languages, without the lag or translation errors common in earlier AI iterations.

Conversational search meets visual intelligence

Search Live is designed for hands-free scenarios where typing is inconvenient or impossible. By tapping the "Live" icon beneath the search bar in the Google app, users can:

• Have back-and-forth conversations: Ask a question out loud and receive a spoken response, then immediately ask follow-up questions without restarting the search.

• Utilize "camera-in" context: Enable the camera while talking to show Search what you see. For example, pointing your phone at a complex piece of machinery and asking, "How do I fix this?" allows the AI to analyze the visual data in real time to provide specific guidance.

• Background functionality: Conversations can continue even while using other apps, allowing users to get directions or instructions while multitasking.

While the feature originally launched in the U.S. and India last year, this global rollout represents a massive leap in accessibility. In India, the update specifically adds support for nine additional regional languages, including Bengali, Tamil, and Telugu.

"Search Live is for those moments when you need real-time help and typing just won’t cut it," said Liza Ma, Director of Product Management for Search. "With Gemini 3.1 Flash Live, we’re making those interactions feel natural, whether you're using your voice or your camera to explore the world around you."

Competing in the "voice first" market

The global launch arrives as voice-driven queries now account for an estimated 27% of all searches. By integrating these capabilities directly into its core Search app, rather than a standalone assistant, Google is positioning itself to compete with the "Advanced Voice Modes" of rivals like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Perplexity.

Google also confirmed that for those who prefer reading, Search Live includes a live transcript feature, converting every spoken word into a text-based AI Mode thread for later reference.

How to Access Search Live

• Open the Google App on Android or iOS

• Tap the 'Live' icon located just below the search bar (next to the AI Mode button)

• Ask your question or tap the Video icon to share your camera feed.