Google has unveiled a new, voice-activated feature for Gmail called Gmail Live, allowing users to ask natural questions directly about their inbox contents.

The tech giant claims this innovative approach will help navigate the chaos of emails more easily. From flight details and dentist appointments to school events, you can simply ask Gmail what you need to know without having to sift through search results.

Devanshi Bhandari, product lead for Gmail, explained during a briefing that Gmail Live can handle follow-up questions and even jump between topics seamlessly, making it more intuitive than traditional text-based searches. The feature is expected to launch later this summer but will initially be limited to Google AI Ultra subscribers.

While the move signals another step towards integrating AI into everyday use, it's worth noting that Gmail Live adds a voice layer on top of existing search functions rather than replacing them entirely. This might address some concerns raised when Google Photos’ AI-powered search faced backlash earlier this year.

The expansion of AI capabilities within Gmail also includes ready-to-send drafts and instant file access, all aimed at making email management more streamlined for users.