Google has moved a new model into Search Live for everyone, and its spoken answers now point people to real web links.
Google's live voice search moves to a new model
On 15 September 2026, Google introduced two new voice models and put one of them into Search Live. The model, Gemini 3.8 Live, now runs the real-time, spoken conversation you get when you talk to Google's Search Live, and it is rolling out "for everyone" from that day. Answers are meant to be more helpful, and they include web links. The experience can switch languages in the middle of a sentence across 97 languages, read what your camera is pointing at, and carry out a task in the background while the conversation keeps going.
A heavier version, Gemini 3.8 Live Extended Thinking, handles longer, multi-step questions. It goes to Gemini Live for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, and to Workspace apps for business customers, not to Search. Developers can reach both through the Gemini API, Google AI Studio and Gemini Enterprise. Google's earlier live model, by 9to5Google's account, was 3.1 Flash Live from March 2026, so this is a fresh step for the spoken side of Search rather than a first attempt.
Why the web links matter more than the voice
For a partner who wants the firm found, the useful detail here is not the voice; it is that the spoken answers cite web pages. When someone asks Search Live a question and hears a reply that names its sources, being one of those named sources is the whole game, the same logic already at work in AI Mode and AI Overviews. Being picked as a source in an AI answer is still an emerging and contested craft, and it is a different thing from ranking well.
The calm read: this is one more AI-answer surface, a conversational and spoken one. Your pages rank in ordinary results exactly as before, there is nothing to switch on, and no setting to change. Keep the public facts about your firm accurate and easy to quote, and watch whether voice and AI surfaces start to send you enquiries. If you would rather have that handled, it sits inside our AI-visibility work.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to do anything right now?
No. This is a new answer surface, not a ranking change, so there is nothing to switch on. Keep your public facts accurate and easy to quote, so an assistant can name your firm.
Will this change where my site ranks in Google?
No. Search Live is a separate conversational, spoken surface. Your rankings in ordinary Google search results are unaffected by it.
Is it available in Australia and the UK?
Google says Gemini 3.8 Live is rolling out in Search Live "for everyone" from 15 September 2026. Rollouts usually arrive gradually, so it is worth checking the Google app to see whether it has reached you.
Why does it matter that answers include web links?
Because being one of the sources a spoken answer names is how a firm gets found on this surface. That is still an emerging and contested craft, the same as with AI Overviews, so it is worth watching rather than worrying about.
What is the Extended Thinking version?
It is a heavier variant for harder, multi-step questions. It goes to Gemini Live for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, and to Workspace apps for business customers, not to Search Live.
