Google updates Search Live with floating controls on Android – 9to5Google
After a number of Google AI Mode updates in recent weeks, the Search Live conversational experience is getting new floating controls on Android.
Previously, AI Mode just showed a notification when you left the fullscreen experience.
That notification is still there, but it’s now accompanied by a floating pill at the bottom of your screen. There’s a rotating four-color ring around the “Live” icon, with session duration noted to the right. A tap anywhere opens the fullscreen experience, while you can mute the conversation with the microphone button. Tapping the ‘x’ ends Search Live.
This pill cannot be moved to another part of the screen, with no drag to close gesture.
Search Live has video sharing capabilities, but cannot see your screen. This UI feels like a precursor to that.
Meanwhile, it takes a different approach to Gemini Live’s phone call-style notification next to the time in your status bar.
We’re seeing the new Search Live controls rolling out with Google app 16.43 (stable) on Android.
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