Google introduces Gmail Live: AI-powered voice assistant for your inbox

At Google IO 2026, Google unveiled a major upgrade to Gmail with the introduction of Gmail Live, a new feature powered by Gemini AI. Gmail Live allows users to interact with their inbox using natural language, enabling them to ask questions about emails, appointments, travel details, and tasks without typing search terms. For instance, users can ask about upcoming flights, hotel information, or school events, and Gmail Live can provide detailed responses, including specifics like hotel room numbers. The AI can also follow conversations, handle interruptions, and switch topics naturally. Google emphasized that Gmail Live complements traditional search rather than replacing it, learning from past backlash against AI-only experiences in Google Photos. Additional features include ready-to-send drafts, instant file access, and enhanced task management through Google AI Ultra, Pro, and Plus subscriptions. While the voice-powered Gmail Live will initially be exclusive to Ultra subscribers, Google plans a broader rollout later. This move reflects Google's ongoing effort to integrate AI into everyday productivity tools, offering practical improvements for millions of users, such as quickly finding information hidden in crowded inboxes.