At the Pixel 9 presentation, Google announced the launch of a new voice chat mode for Gemini called “Gemini Live.” The feature is very similar to ChatGPT’s voice chat feature, offering multiple voice options to choose from and the ability to have conversations in a natural manner, including interrupting AI responses at any time.
Image source: Google
As TheVerge explains, communication with Gemini Live can occur in a free form, allowing you to interrupt replies mid-sentence, pause the conversation without pressing any buttons, and resume it later. The function also works in the background and when the smartphone screen is locked. Interestingly, Google first announced plans to launch Gemini Live at its I/O developer conference earlier this year, where it was also said that “Live” would be able to interpret video in real time.
In addition to this, Google has introduced 10 new voices for Gemini for users to choose from. The feature began rolling out today on Android devices, currently only in English, but we are promised that Gemini Live will be available on iOS in the coming weeks and will receive support for additional languages.
Image source: Google
In addition to Gemini Live, other features announced for the AI assistant include the ability to analyze the context of the user’s screen, which is reminiscent of the AI feature Apple recently announced at WWDC. Once the user selects the “Ask about this screen” or “Ask about this video” option, Gemini will be able to provide information, including extracting details such as items destinations from travel videos to add to Google Maps.
Please note that Gemini Live will only be available to Gemini Advanced subscribers for now.