Google expands AI Search Mode to 7 new Indian languages; adds 'Search Live' with voice and camera interaction

Google has announced expansion of its AI-powered Search experience in India today, bringing its AI Search Mode to millions more users. The update introduces support for seven new Indian languages: Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu, allowing users to ask complex, conversational questions and receive detailed answers in their native tongue.

Previously limited to English and Hindi, the AI Mode has seen "incredible" adoption since its launch in India, according to Google. Users have been leveraging the feature for a wide range of tasks, from academic research and writing to product comparisons and travel planning.


The new language capabilities are powered by Google's custom Gemini model for Search, which is specifically designed to understand the subtleties and context of local languages, rather than just translating words. The rollout in these new languages will be a phased one, starting over the next week.

Google Unveils 'Search Live' with Voice and Camera Interaction

In a related development, Google also introduced 'Search Live,' a new feature that allows users to interact with Search using voice and camera. India will be the first country outside the US to receive this feature, which is initially available in English and Hindi.

'Search Live' allows users to have a real-time, conversational experience with Google, getting instant help based on what they're seeing. For example, a user can point their phone camera at a collection of ingredients and ask, "What's the best way to combine these to make an iced matcha?" to get immediate, step-by-step guidance.

This feature is designed to be particularly useful for hands-on activities like DIY projects, troubleshooting, schoolwork, and travel. 'Search Live' is rolling out starting today, and users can access it by tapping the 'Live' icon in the Google app or selecting 'Live' within Google Lens.

These updates, company said, reinforce Google's commitment to making Search more intuitive and accessible for everyone in India.