Google expands Search Live to 200+ countries and more languages

In short: Google says Search Live, its voice and camera based search assistant, is expanding to more than 200 countries and territories and more languages.

What happened

Google announced on Thursday that it is expanding access to Search Live, a feature that lets people search using their voice while also using their phone camera.

With Search Live, you can point your camera at something and ask a question out loud. For example, you could aim your phone at a shelving kit and ask how to install it. The assistant then answers with spoken guidance, like having a helpful voice talking you through the steps.

The company said Search Live is now available in more than 200 countries and territories, along with dozens of languages. The Verge also reported that the feature rolled out broadly in the US last September.

Why it matters

This makes searching less like typing keywords and more like asking for help in the moment. It could be useful when your hands are busy, when you are trying to identify something you are looking at, or when you want step by step instructions while doing a task. It also shows how search is moving toward more natural conversations, where your phone can use what you say and what it sees to respond.

Source: The Verge AI