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Google launches Gemini chatbot ‘Gemini Live’

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To compete with OpenAI’s advanced voice mode for ChatGPT, Google is launching its own voice-enabled feature with its Gemini chatbot. Called Gemini Live, this new feature aims to make interactions with the chatbot more natural and conversational, moving beyond the traditional input-output model. Users can now speak directly to the chatbot, interrupting it mid-response to explore specific points or even pausing and resuming conversations later, according to a recent Google blog post.

Google demonstrated Gemini Live during its Tuesday event for the Pixel 9 series. Users can select the chatbot’s voice before asking a question, enhancing the personalization of the interaction. In the demo, a Google executive asked Gemini Live for advice on creating a science experiment with their child. The chatbot responded almost instantly, providing answers that made the conversation feel more human-like. Plus, Gemini Live can be used hands-free on smartphones, adding convenience to its functionality.

Google describes Gemini Live as a “sidekick in your pocket” that can help brainstorm ideas or prepare for important conversations. Rick Osterloh, Google’s Senior VP of Devices and Services, hinted that the chatbot will also be capable of conducting in-depth research and generating detailed reports, complete with sources, written directly into Google Docs.

Gemini Live is available starting today, featuring 10 new voices. However, the conversational mode isn’t free; it’s part of the Gemini Advanced subscription, which costs $19.99 per month and includes access to Google’s most powerful Gemini 1.5 Pro model. Initially, only Android users will have access, with iOS support expected in the coming weeks.

In comparison, OpenAI introduced its advanced voice mode just last month to a limited group of ChatGPT Plus subscribers, also for $20 per month.

While the decision to put voice-based chat features behind a paywall may frustrate some users, it indicates that both Google and OpenAI are still refining the technology, working to resolve issues and address potential legal concerns before making it more widely available.

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