Google has officially started rolling out its Gemini Live feature to free users on Android. Previously limited to those with a Gemini Advanced subscription, this voice-interactive AI tool is now accessible without any additional cost. This move opens the door for a broader audience to experience the convenience of speaking directly to the AI assistant using voice commands. Now, users don’t need to purchase a subscription to benefit from the feature, significantly widening its availability.
Around a month ago, the ability to interact with Google Gemini Live was exclusive to Gemini Advanced subscribers. The feature allowed users to speak directly to the AI assistant, engaging in conversations or exploring different topics using voice commands. However, with the current rollout, even those using the free version of the app can access Gemini Live. This marks a major shift, as users no longer need a paid subscription to take advantage of this voice-activated AI.
The rollout was confirmed by Google through the official Gemini app account on the social platform X (formerly Twitter). The announcement read: "We're starting to roll out Gemini Live in English to more people using the Android app, free of charge. Go Live to talk things out with Gemini, explore a new topic, or brainstorm ideas. Keep an eye out for Gemini Live in the Gemini app."
This statement from Google highlights not only the immediate availability of Gemini Live for free users but also its emphasis on helping users with varied tasks, such as learning new things or generating fresh ideas. The phased rollout means that while many users can start using Gemini Live immediately, it may take days or even weeks for the feature to reach all devices.
At the moment, Gemini Live is only available to users who have English set as their device language. This limitation ensures the feature's functionality is optimized for English speakers, though support for additional languages could be expected in the future. As of now, the rollout has not reached all devices. For instance, users with smartphones like the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S23 Ultra have reported that the Gemini Live feature is still not visible on their devices, suggesting that the deployment is happening in stages.
To see if the feature is available on your device, you can trigger the Gemini assistant using your preferred navigation method. Once active, a new icon will appear in the bottom-right corner of the Gemini pop-up window or full-screen app.
The new Gemini Live feature can be identified through a unique icon—a waveform symbol that is marked with a small sparkle. This icon appears in the lower right of the Gemini pop-up or the full-screen assistant interface. By tapping this icon, users can “Go Live” and initiate a conversation with the AI.
When using Gemini Live, users are presented with an introductory prompt that explains how to manage the conversation. They can either “Hold” the conversation or “End” it through two large buttons that appear at the bottom of the screen. Alternatively, users can end the conversation by simply saying "Stop." This makes it easy to control the interaction through voice commands alone.
While Gemini Live offers a powerful voice-assistant experience, it’s worth noting that certain features, such as Gemini Extensions, are not yet available in this mode. However, Google has confirmed that support for these extensions is coming soon. Once integrated, users will be able to control various phone functions and access other Google apps, such as Gmail and YouTube, through voice commands during a live Gemini session.
This planned update will significantly enhance the functionality of Gemini Live, allowing users to perform a variety of tasks without having to leave the conversation. For now, though, users will have to wait for the release of these additional capabilities.
An interesting aspect of Gemini Live is how it continues to function even when the phone’s screen is locked. If you lock your device while using the AI assistant, a “Live with Gemini” notification will appear. This notification will indicate that the microphone is still active, providing users with an easy option to end the session. A button labeled “End Live mode” appears within the notification, allowing users to quickly terminate the live session without reopening the app.
This feature is particularly useful for maintaining control over privacy and ensuring that the AI assistant only listens when intended.
Conclusion
Google Gemini Live’s rollout to free users on Android marks an exciting development in AI-powered voice assistants. By removing the subscription barrier, Google is making its innovative voice-interactive assistant accessible to a larger audience. While the current rollout is limited to English-speaking users and lacks certain advanced features like Gemini Extensions, future updates promise to further enhance its functionality. In the meantime, users can enjoy the ease of talking things out with the AI assistant, brainstorming ideas, and exploring new topics—all without needing a Gemini Advanced subscription. Keep an eye on your device for the feature’s appearance as the phased rollout continues.