Google Adds Live Visual Search

Google has introduced Search Live in the United States, offering real-time, camera-aware voice search through the Google app on both Android and iOS.

The new feature allows users to start an interactive voice conversation that also takes into account what the phone’s camera is showing. To use it, you simply tap the Live icon beneath the search bar or open Google Lens and select the Live option.

Unlike previous experimental tools, Search Live does not require Labs opt-in and is available directly within the app. At present, it is only available in English in the U.S.

Rajan Patel, Google’s Vice President of Engineering for Search, confirmed the launch in a post on X, emphasising the technology’s potential to deliver faster and more intuitive answers.

How It Works

Google’s new Search Live feature offers two ways to get started. Within the Google app, users can launch a voice chat and choose to add video if they wish.

In Google Lens, the camera option is automatically active, letting you instantly ask questions about whatever is in front of you. The tool also provides follow-up suggestions and links so you can explore further online.

Google points out several everyday uses for this function, including planning trips without needing to type, following step-by-step instructions for hobbies, troubleshooting electronic devices without having to enter model numbers, helping with schoolwork, or even choosing a board game by scanning multiple boxes at once.

You can see how it works in Google’s official launch video.

Why This Matters

Google’s Search Live shifts searches away from typing and instead uses the camera and voice, delivering results while users are in the middle of doing something.

This creates opportunities for businesses to connect with potential customers by providing content that directly addresses real-time, specific questions. To make the most of this, it’s important that visual material is clear, accurate, and easy to identify.

For local businesses, keeping images of shopfronts, products, and essential details up to date is now more valuable than ever, as people can simply point their phone, ask a question, and instantly receive relevant links.

Looking Ahead

At present, Search Live is available only in English within the United States, though Google has confirmed that support for additional languages and regions will be introduced in the future.

This release is part of Google’s wider effort to make search less reliant on traditional text entry. Companies that take steps now to optimise their content and visuals for this change will be in a stronger position once the feature becomes more widely accessible.