Gemini 3.8 Live Extended Thinking

Gemini 3.8 Live Extended Thinking is our high-reasoning audio-to-audio model recommended when higher background reasoning is required for complex, multi-step problem solving during real-time voice interactions. It processes background reasoning and asynchronous tool calls while streaming continuous audio responses.

Documentation

Visit the Live API guide for full coverage of features and capabilities.

gemini-3.8-live-extended-thinking

Property Description
Model code gemini-3.8-live-extended-thinking
Supported data types

Inputs

Text, images, audio, video

Output

Text and audio
Token limits[*]

Input token limit

131,072

Output token limit

65,536
Capabilities

Audio generation

Supported

Caching

Not supported

Code execution

Not supported

File search

Not supported

Function calling

Supported (Async only)

Grounding with Google Maps

Not supported

Image generation

Not supported

Live API

Supported

Search grounding

Supported

Structured outputs

Not supported

Thinking

Supported

URL context

Not supported
Consumption options

Batch API

Not supported
Versions
Read the model version patterns for more details.
  • Stable: gemini-3.8-live-extended-thinking
Latest update September 2026
Model card Model card

Upgrading to Gemini 3.8 Live Extended Thinking

Gemini 3.8 Live Extended Thinking introduces background reasoning during live audio sessions. When integrating this model, update your client state management to handle asynchronous reasoning signals:

  • Asynchronous reasoning protocol: When interacting with models that use asynchronous reasoning, turnComplete: true no longer indicates that the model is idle. The server may continue processing background reasoning or tool calls. Your client must continue listening for subsequent server messages (such as tool calls or audio frames) after turnComplete: true arrives.
  • Monitoring interaction_status: Use the interaction_status field on incoming server messages to determine current server state:
    • IN_PROGRESS: The server is actively processing user input, running background reasoning, or awaiting responses for asynchronous tool calls. Additional model output or tool calls may follow.
    • IDLE: The server has finished all processing, reasoning, and tool calls. The session is idle and waiting for user input.
  • Asynchronous function calling: Only asynchronous non-blocking execution (behavior: NON_BLOCKING) is supported. Synchronous blocking mode is not supported and returns a hard error. Function scheduling configurations are not supported.
  • Thinking configuration: Configure background reasoning using thinking_config in your setup configuration (thinking_level: low, medium, or high). Note that MINIMAL is not supported.
  • Client content updates: send_client_content is supported throughout the entire session lifecycle with explicit roles (user or model). Setting turn_complete=true immediately interrupts active generation.
  • Proactive audio: Permanently enabled. Setting proactive_audio: false returns an error.

For a feature comparison across all Live API models, see the Model comparison table.