Google tests Gmail Live voice search on Android and iOS

Google has begun testing a new voice-powered search feature called Gmail Live, allowing users to find information in their inbox by speaking instead of typing. The feature, which was first introduced at the company's IO 2026 developer conference, is now available to a limited number of users on Android and iOS in the United States ahead of a broader rollout planned for later this summer.

Gmail Live adds a dedicated voice icon to the Gmail mobile app's search bar. Tapping it launches a full-screen interface where users can ask questions about their emails using natural language. The tool is designed to hold a conversational back-and-forth, enabling follow-up questions without restarting the search. Example prompts suggested by Google include inquiries about flight gate numbers or upcoming school events for children.

During a query, the interface displays live voice transcription. Responses are both spoken aloud and shown on screen, with the original source emails highlighted for verification. The feature is built on Google's existing Gemini Live conversational AI framework, which is already used in other apps like Maps and Calendar. Google states the tool is not merely a...