Search Live goes global
Google has expanded its Search Live feature to more than 200 countries, enabling real-time conversational search in multiple languages. The feature is powered by Gemini 3.1 Flash Live, a new voice and audio model that Google says delivers more natural and responsive interactions compared to earlier systems.
Search Live allows users to ask follow-up questions, refine queries, and get contextual answers without typing multiple separate searches. The expansion follows months of testing in select markets including the United States and parts of Asia.
Gemini 3.1 Flash Live: a new AI voice model
The Gemini 3.1 Flash Live model represents Google's latest push into voice-based AI interaction. The model is designed to handle real-time conversation with low latency, making it suitable for live search, voice assistants, and interactive applications. Google has integrated the model into Gemini Live, its AI assistant platform.
Google's March 2026 AI drop had already introduced Gemini becoming more personal, proactive, and present across Google services. The May expansion of Search Live builds on that foundation, bringing the conversational experience to users worldwide.
May 2026 Core Update and Search redesign
The same week as the Search Live expansion, Google rolled out its May 2026 Core Update. SEO analysts at Clique Studios reported it arrived alongside the biggest Search homepage redesign in 25 years. The update targets AI-generated content quality and rewards original reporting.
Marketing professionals are adjusting strategies as the new search interface prioritizes conversational results over traditional link lists. The redesign marks a shift from Google's classic search results page toward AI-generated summaries and follow-up suggestions.