# Gemini 3.8 Live Extended Thinking audio-to-audio

> Source: <https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs/models/gemini-3.8-live-extended-thinking>
> Published: 2026-09-15 17:11:58+00:00

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](https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs/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 <sup>[\[*\]](https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs/tokens)</sup> | **Input token limit** 131,072 **Output token limit** 65,536 | 
| Capabilities | Supported Not supported Not supported Not supported Supported (Async only) Not supported Not supported Supported Supported Not supported Supported Not supported | 
| Consumption options | Not supported | 
| Versions | [model version patterns](https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs/models/gemini#model-versions) for more details. | 
| Latest update | September 2026 | 
| Model card | [Model card](https://deepmind.google/models/model-cards/gemini-3-8-audio/) | 

## 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](https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs/live-api/capabilities#model-comparison)
table.