Google’s Gemini Live is now free for Android users

Gemini Live is now available for free as Google has begun rolling out the feature to Android devices. Previously exclusive to premium subscribers, this conversational AI is now open to everyone with an Android phone. As you interact with it, Gemini adapts to your communication style, making conversations feel even more personal and intuitive.

What is Gemini Live?

Gemini Live is Google’s next-gen AI assistant, designed for natural, flowing conversations. It keeps track of your previous interactions, remembers the context of ongoing chats, and adapts to your communication style.

You can start using it by tapping the new waveform icon in the app or by simply saying, “Hey Google.” With hands-free capabilities, Gemini Live works even while your phone is locked or running other apps.

New features of Gemini Live

1. 10 voice styles: Choose from ten different voices, including calm and energetic options, to match the mood.
2. Contextual memory: Gemini remembers what you’ve discussed, so you don’t have to repeat yourself.
3. Hands-free & background use: Chat while multitasking, with the AI assistant running in the background.
4. Interrupt conversations: You can jump in and stop or redirect the AI mid-sentence, just like you would with a person.

Rollout and availability

Gemini Live began rolling out in August 2024 to English-speaking Android users, initially available to Gemini Advanced subscribers on Pixel and Samsung devices. Now, it’s available to free users on Android. More languages and iOS support are expected in the coming months.

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What’s included in the free access?

While you get all of this for free, there are some limitations. Features like Gmail and Docs integration are still locked behind the Google One AI Premium subscription. For casual users, though, the free version has plenty to offer. It can be used for a number of tasks, including answering questions, providing summaries, and translating languages.

Why is Google making it free?

By making Gemini Live free, Google gets more data to improve its AI models — the transcribed conversations feed the machine learning process. That said, Google reminds users not to share sensitive information, as their chats may still be reviewed (anonymously) to improve AI performance.

This free release of Gemini Live is also Google’s way of putting pressure on competing services like ChatGPT and its Advanced Voice Mode, offering a similar AI-driven experience but now without the need for subscriptions.

How to use Gemini Live

1. Install and open the Gemini mobile app. If available, you can also say, “Hey Google.”
2. At the right bottom of the app, tap the waveform icon.
3. For your first time, follow any on-screen instructions.
4. Start talking.

Tip: Turn off the mic by tapping Hold, End, or saying “stop.”

Why you should try Gemini Live

With the release of Gemini Live, Google is making conversational AI more accessible to a wider audience. It’s responsive, intuitive, and designed to meet your needs in a way that feels more natural than traditional voice assistants.

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FAQs

Q1: What was the main update regarding Google’s Gemini Live announced in September 2024?

Google began rolling out Gemini Live for free to users with Android devices.  

Q2: Who had access to Gemini Live before this update?

Previously, Gemini Live was exclusively available to premium subscribers (Gemini Advanced).  

Q3: What is Gemini Live?

Gemini Live is described as Google’s next-generation AI assistant, built for natural and flowing conversations. It adapts to the user's communication style and remembers the context of ongoing chats.

Q4: How can a user initiate a conversation with Gemini Live?

Users can start by tapping the waveform icon in the Gemini mobile app or by using the voice command, “Hey Google.”

Q5: Does Gemini Live work when the phone is locked or when other apps are open?

Yes, it features hands-free capabilities and can operate even while the phone is locked or running other applications.  

Q6: What specific features are highlighted for Gemini Live?

Key features include a choice of ten different voice styles (e.g., calm, energetic), contextual memory allowing it to recall previous parts of the conversation, hands-free and background usage, and the ability for the user to interrupt the AI mid-sentence.  

Q7: What was the initial rollout plan for Gemini Live?

The rollout started in August 2024, initially for English-speaking Android users with Gemini Advanced subscriptions on Pixel and Samsung devices.

Q8: As of the September 2024 announcement, who gained free access to Gemini Live?

Free users with Android devices gained access.  

Q9: Were there plans mentioned for further expansion of Gemini Live’s availability?

Yes, support for more languages and availability on iOS were expected in the months following September 2024.

Q10: Does the free version of Gemini Live include all features?

No, certain features, such as integration with Gmail and Google Docs, remain exclusive to the Google One AI Premium subscription.