As announced at the Made by Google 2024 event, Gemini Live is now rolling out, with wider availability on Pixel and other Android phones today.
The Gemini Live icon, a waveform with a sparkle badge, appears in the bottom-right corner of the Gemini overlay and fullscreen app.
When you first access Gemini Live, an introductory prompt states:
“Hi, I’m Gemini. We’re about to go live, where you can explore complex topics or ideas just by talking.”
You can control the conversation using the large “Hold” or “End” buttons at the bottom of the screen, or by saying “stop.” Currently, Gemini Extensions aren’t available in Live mode, but Google plans to add this feature later, allowing you to control your phone and access other apps (like Gmail, YouTube, etc.) via voice.
The fullscreen Gemini Live interface is clean and intuitive. You can exit the app to use your phone normally or lock/turn off the screen while continuing the conversation. In this case, a “Live with Gemini” notification will appear, indicating that the “mic is on” with an option to “End Live mode.”
After ending a conversation, a text transcript of your prompts and Gemini’s responses will be saved in your “Recent” history list, just like any other text chat. You can restart a conversation by tapping the Live button in the corner.
In Gemini Settings, there’s a new toggle for “Interrupt Live responses,” which allows you to interject during conversations—a feature Google highlights with pride. Additionally, you can choose from 10 new voice options, each named after constellations. These new voices are also available outside of Live mode.
Gemini Live is currently available on Pixel and Samsung devices, with a broader rollout to Android devices underway. It requires a Gemini Advanced subscription and supports English globally.
