New AI features Building with AI AI companies

Google launches Gemini 3.8 Live to take on OpenAI's GPT-Live-1 at a fraction of the cost

AITopTools Editorial TeamSeptember 15, 2026

What changed

Google DeepMind released Gemini 3.8 Live and Gemini 3.8 Live Extended Thinking, two audio models for developers that handle spoken conversations. They lead the Artificial Analysis speech-to-speech ranking and cost $1.38 per hour of voice conversation, while OpenAI’s GPT-Live-1 is expected to sound more natural because it supports uninterrupted two-way speech.

What this means for you

Developers can use Google’s models to build voice-based AI tools at a substantially lower stated cost than OpenAI’s offering. The trade-off is that GPT-Live-1 may provide more natural conversation.

Related AI news

Safety & rulesSep 16, 2026

We don’t need AI regulation — leave safety to us, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang says

This would place responsibility for AI safety mainly with product makers instead of regulators. The feed does not provide details about any new tool, availability, or cost for users.

TechCrunch AISee why it matters

Safety & rulesSep 15, 2026

AI and data centers are incredibly unpopular in every poll

Companies planning data centers may face stronger political and community opposition, while AI users could see slower expansion if projects are delayed. The poll measures public opinion, not a change in current access or pricing.

The Verge AISee why it matters

AI companiesSep 15, 2026

The AI data center boom is colliding with cities scarred by big industry

The proposal could bring data-center development into a community with a history of industrial impact, making local planning and resident concerns central to the project’s future. The feed does not state whether construction has been approved or provide details about costs or timing.

TechCrunch AISee why it matters