Agent skill · software engineering · google-gemini
gemini-live-api-dev
Use this skill when building real-time, bidirectional streaming applications with the Gemini Live API, or migrating legacy Live models (2.0/2.5/3.1) to Gemini 3.8 Live. Covers WebSocket-based audio/video/text streaming, voice activity detection (VAD), background reasoning (extended thinking), asynchronous function calling, session management, ephemeral tokens, live transcription, and live translation. SDKs covered - google-genai (Python), @google/genai (JavaScript/TypeScript).
Why this skill is useful
Provides specific commands and configurations for real-time streaming applications using the Gemini Live API that the AI wouldn't reliably generate on its own.
What it needs
Requires @google/genai, google-genai installed locally. About 8k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2026-08-06. 3,886 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
Gemini Live API Development Skill Overview The Live API enables low-latency, real-time voice and video interactions with Gemini over WebSockets. It processes continuous streams of audio, video, or text to deliver immediate, human-like spoken responses and background reasoning. Key capabilities: Bidirectional audio streaming — real-time mic-to-speaker conversations Background reasoning (extended thinking) — multi-step background reasoning with spoken conversational fillers Live streaming transcription — real-time speech-to-text with interim and finalized streams Video streaming — send camera/screen frames alongside audio Text input/output — send and receive text within a live session Audio transcriptions — get text transcripts of both input and output audio Voice Activity Detection (VAD) — automatic server VAD, client-side Hybrid VAD, and manual Push-to-Talk Asynchronous function calling — non-blocking tool execution while audio continues streaming Full-session client content — inject and update conversation turns mid-stream Session management — context compression, session resumption, GoAway signals Ephemeral tokens — secure client-side authentication [!NOTE] The Live API connects directly via WebSockets. For WebRTC support or simplified integration, use a partner integration. Models Current Models (Use These) gemini-3.8-live — Default option for most low-latency voice agent experiences and real-time dialogue without reasoning delays. Supports interleaved reasoning, asynchronous function calling by default (behavior: NONBLOCKING), and full-session client content updates. gemini-3.8-live-extended-thinking — High-reasoning audio-to-audio model recommended when higher background reasoning is required during live interactions. Processes background reasoning and async tool calls (behavior: NONBLOCKING required) while streaming continuous spoken conversational fillers; lifecycle managed via interactionstatus (INPROGRESS vs IDLE). …
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills google-gemini/gemini-live-api-dev