Google unveils Gmail Live, a conversational AI inbox feature at IO 2026

At Google IO 2026, Google announced Gmail Live, a Gemini AI-powered feature that lets users ask conversational questions about their inbox instead of typing search terms. Product lead Devanshi Bhandari demonstrated the tool, which can answer naturally phrased questions, handle follow-ups, and understand nuances like the difference between "field trip" and "trip." The feature can pull granular details from emails, such as hotel room numbers, and infer people even when not explicitly named. Gmail Live is an optional addition to traditional search, not a replacement. It will roll out later this summer, initially limited to Google AI Ultra subscribers. The AI Inbox experience, launched earlier this year, is expanding to Google AI Pro and Plus subscribers. Similar voice technology is also coming to Google Keep. Google hopes this practical use case will demonstrate AI's value amid public skepticism about data center construction and rising power bills.