Google has announced an expansion of its AI-powered Gmail features, introducing a conversational assistant that allows users to search their inbox through spoken questions instead of traditional search terms.
The new feature, titled “Gmail Live”, is powered by Gemini AI and was unveiled on Tuesday ahead of the company’s annual developer conference, Google I/O. According to TechCrunch, the tool enables users to ask Gmail naturally phrased questions about information stored in their emails, including flight details, appointment times, hotel bookings and school events.
Previously, users relied on keyword searches or email addresses to locate messages, a method that often produced broad or unclear results when similar terms appeared across several emails.
Devanshi Bhandari, Gmail’s product lead, said the assistant can respond to follow-up questions and shift between topics during conversations without interrupting the interaction.
During a demonstration for reporters, the feature retrieved travel details, hotel room information and school trip updates from inbox messages through voice commands.
Google said the technology is designed to offer practical uses for artificial intelligence in everyday digital services used by millions worldwide.
The company confirmed that Gmail Live will not replace the standard Gmail search function, but will remain an additional option for users.
Google is also adding other tools to Gmail, including ready-to-send drafts, faster file access and task management features.
The broader AI Inbox service, introduced earlier this year, is being extended to Google AI Pro and Plus subscribers, while Gmail Live will initially remain exclusive to Google AI Ultra subscribers when it launches later this summer.
