New Google App Beta Features Consolidated Voice Search Interface

Google has introduced a redesigned voice search interface in the beta version of its Android app, consolidating four functions—Search, AI Mode, Search Live, and Song Search—into a single bottom toolbar. The update is not yet widely available and remains limited to the beta channel.

How the new voice interface works

The previous implementation, launched earlier this year, used the four-color microphone icon—accessible via the Google bar on most Android home screens or within the Google app—to transcribe spoken queries for standard text-based search. A dedicated Song Search shortcut existed separately.

This overhaul mirrors the navigation logic of Google Lens, which employs a switcher for Search, Translate, Live, and Create. In the updated voice interface, users now see a persistent toolbar at the bottom of the screen enabling direct toggling among the four modes.

Mode-specific behavior and defaults

Search mode displays a new four-bar waveform visualization during speech, with real-time transcription appearing at the top of the screen. After completing an AI Mode query, users can tap a right-facing arrow to proceed; tapping the left-side stop button instead opens a standard Search box pre-filled with the spoken transcript for editing.

Search Live delivers a back-and-forth conversational experience identical to its prior implementation. Song Search remains functionally unchanged from the previous design.

Google’s system will recall the user’s most recently selected mode and default to either Search or AI Mode accordingly.