Google’s Gemini Live AI assistant has a new set of voices to communicate with Android users. The ten new voices each have a unique way of speaking that are tied to personalities and accents.
Furthermore, in keeping with the astronomical theme of Gemini, the voices are all named after constellations, stars or star-related phenomena, such as Orion, Capella and Nova respectively.
The voices were initially exclusive to Gemini Advanced subscribers, but are now available to all users, making them more accessible and in line with Google’s efforts to make Gemini a part of every user’s experience. Google says the speech engine used for the voices makes them more emotionally expressive and can handle interactions in a way that’s closer to human conversation.
No matter which voice you choose, the AI can still talk and perform tasks at the same time. And if you misunderstood something the AI said, it saves a transcript that you can review or even reset.
You can now explore up to 10 different voices with Gemini Live *and* change your selection at any time. Listen here or in the app and let us know your favorite(s) in the comments. pic.twitter.com/ZflSi7n4NRSeptember 17, 2024
Gemini Live Forever
It’s notable that the Gemini Live voices are rolling out at a time when OpenAI is planning to announce significant improvements to ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode. ChatGPT in Voice Mode currently struggles with longer conversations and has different limitations than Gemini Live and its larger context window. Whether the updated Advanced Voice Mode will include as many voice options has not yet been announced.
Google’s expansion of Gemini Live and the introduction of new voices helps underscore how Google wants Gemini to feel like more than just Google Assistant, but a more personalized assistant that’s adaptable to your preferences. Making them free will likely enhance Gemini’s place in people’s lives, especially as the company rolls out new integrations and connections with Google products.