APK Teardown: Google to bring 4 new AI voices to Android app

Artificial intelligence features in Google Search are expanding beyond text interactions to include enhanced voice capabilities, with new voice options discovered in recent beta testing. Google’s upcoming AI Mode for Search aims to create a more natural, conversation-like experience for users performing voice searches.

Latest developments: Google has quietly introduced four new voice options in its latest Android app beta, signaling a significant expansion of voice-based AI search capabilities.

• The new voices, codenamed Jungle, Lime, Royal, and Sapphire, are distinct from existing Gemini voice options
• An updated Voice settings page includes a new “Spoken results” feature, suggesting AI Mode will both accept voice input and provide audio responses
• The feature is currently undergoing internal testing at Google, with broader beta testing expected soon

Technical capabilities: The enhanced voice search system is designed to create a more interactive and intuitive search experience.

• Users will be able to conduct voice searches and ask follow-up questions to refine their queries, similar to functionality already available in Gemini Live
• The system appears designed to support hands-free operation, with AI-powered voice responses to search queries
• Voice settings can be customized through a dedicated configuration page in the app

Implementation status: The feature remains in development, with several key milestones ahead before public release.

• The functionality was discovered through analysis of Google app beta version 16.7.21 for Android
• Google has not officially announced the AI Mode or its voice features
• The development suggests Google is working to maintain competitiveness in conversational AI search capabilities

Looking ahead: While these voice features show promise for enhancing Google Search’s accessibility and usability, their discovery in beta testing does not guarantee inclusion in the final release. The addition of multiple voice options and spoken results capabilities indicates Google’s strategic focus on making AI search interactions more natural and personalized.