Google has introduced Gemini Live, a new voice chat mode with the Gemini AI assistant. This feature, announced at the Made by Google event on Tuesday (13), is currently available only in English and is limited to subscribers of the Gemini Advanced plan on Android devices.
Gemini Live allows for more natural and fluid conversations, letting you interrupt and resume responses whenever you like.
This announcement was part of the larger event where Google unveiled the new Pixel 9 devices.
Gemini Live on Android devices
Google has introduced Gemini Live, a new feature that enhances the conversational capabilities of its AI assistant. According to the company, this innovation offers users a more fluid and interactive experience with the Gemini AI.
“Gemini Live allows for seamless dialogue with our AI,” a Google spokesperson stated.
Users can interrupt the assistant mid-sentence to delve deeper into specific topics or temporarily pause the conversation and resume it later. It’s akin to having a personal digital aide always at hand, ready to brainstorm ideas or help prepare for crucial meetings.”
This feature, which Google first unveiled at their I/O 2024 conference, is designed to operate continuously, even when the device’s screen is locked or the app is running in the background. This functionality makes it more accessible and useful in various day-to-day scenarios.
In addition to its improved conversational abilities, Gemini Live introduces a range of voice customization options. Users can now choose from ten distinct voices, allowing them to tailor the assistant’s vocal characteristics to their preferences. Google has released a video demonstration showcasing these new voice alternatives.
Looking ahead, Google has announced plans to expand the availability of Gemini Live. The company intends to launch the feature on iOS devices and broaden its language support in the near future, making it accessible to a wider global audience.
More extensions for Gemini
In addition to Gemini Live, Google introduced several new features for its AI assistant, which will roll out in the coming weeks for apps like Keep, Tasks, and YouTube Music.
For example, you can ask Gemini to find an old recipe in Gmail and automatically add the ingredients to your shopping list in Keep. You can also request a 90s playlist, and Gemini will understand your request without needing many details.
Another new feature is the integration with Google Calendar. You can take a photo of an event flyer and ask Gemini if the event is on a specific date, as well as set reminders to buy tickets.
Google also announced ongoing improvements to Assistant, including the new Gemini 1.5 Flash models, which are faster and offer higher-quality responses. In the coming months, they plan to enhance speed and quality further and expand integrations with Google Home, Phone, and Messages.
