Google launches Gemini 3.8 Live to take on OpenAI's GPT-Live-1 at a fraction of the cost
Google DeepMind launches Gemini 3.8 Live speech-to-speech models, topping Artificial Analysis leaderboard at 82.6% with much cheaper pricing than OpenAI.
Google DeepMind released Gemini 3.8 Live and 3.8 Live Extended Thinking, audio models for voice agents available through the Gemini API and Google AI Studio, supporting over 97 languages plus background API calls and visual input. The Extended Thinking variant ranks first on the Artificial Analysis Speech-to-Speech Leaderboard with 82.6%, ahead of OpenAI's GPT-Live-1 models. Google charges $0.005 per minute for audio input and $0.018 for output, versus OpenAI's $0.05 per minute, though OpenAI retains full-duplex conversation quality advantages.
- Gemini 3.8 Live and Extended Thinking released via Gemini API and AI Studio
- Extended Thinking tops Artificial Analysis Speech-to-Speech Leaderboard at 82.6%
- Supports 97+ languages, background API calls, and visual input
- Pricing $0.005/min input and $0.018/min output vs OpenAI's $0.05/min
- OpenAI GPT-Live-1 still offers full-duplex listening while speaking
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Sep 15, 2026
Google Deepmind released Gemini 3.8 Live and 3.8 Live Extended Thinking, two new audio models for developers available through the Gemini API and Google AI Studio. Gemini 3.8 Live powers voice agents that can make API calls in the background, process visual input, and keep talking at the same time. It supports over 97 languages. The Extended Thinking variant ranks first on the Artificial Analysis Speech-to-Speech Leaderboard with 82.6 percent, ahead of OpenAI's latest GPT-Live-1 models. Sample apps are on GitHub.
Google charges $0.005 per minute for audio input and $0.018 for output, far cheaper than OpenAI's GPT-Live-1 at $0.05 per minute. An hour of voice conversation costs about $1.38 with Google versus at least $3.00 with OpenAI. OpenAI's model should still deliver more natural conversations thanks to full duplex that lets it listen and speak at the same time. Judging from the demos, it also sounds better, suggesting Google once again optimized for price over quality.
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