Which AI chatbots support live video input? ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta AI compared.
- Graziano Stefanelli
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
Real-time vision is now available in popular AI assistants. Here’s how they work, what they cost, and which one to choose.
ChatGPT can now see and understand what you show through your camera.
OpenAI's GPT-4o model, released in May 2024, introduced true multimodal interaction in the ChatGPT app. One of its most impressive features is the ability to process live video input through your smartphone's camera during a conversation. This turns ChatGPT into a highly responsive assistant that can observe, listen, and respond—all in real time.
To activate the feature, users tap the microphone icon, then the camera icon. This is available in Advanced Voice Mode, and works within the ChatGPT mobile app (iOS and Android). You can point your camera at objects, scenes, or even your screen, and ChatGPT will analyze what it sees and give you intelligent feedback.
This includes tasks like solving handwritten math problems, walking through recipes while viewing ingredients, or interpreting what’s on a spreadsheet you're sharing via screen. GPT-4o responds with logic and depth, asking clarifying questions and providing structured reasoning.
The feature is available to:
ChatGPT Plus subscribers ($20/month) with 15-minute sessions
ChatGPT Pro and Team users ($60–$100/month), who get up to 30-minute sessions
Currently, live video is not available on desktop, and some countries—especially in the European Union—may see delayed rollout due to regulatory considerations.
Gemini Live offers fast, free video chat with your AI assistant.
Gemini Live is Google's real-time AI assistant mode that lets users share their camera or screen while having a conversation with Gemini. It was made widely available in May 2025 and is completely free for all users, including those on the base tier.
Available through the Gemini app on Android and iOS, it allows users to tap the "Live" button, grant permission for camera access, and begin speaking naturally while Gemini processes both audio and video in real time. It supports around 45 languages, including Italian, Spanish, and German.
Gemini Live excels in speed and integration. For example, you can:
Show a physical object for instant identification
Scan a device and ask troubleshooting questions
Share your mobile screen and ask for help with a spreadsheet, form, or website
The experience is especially smooth on devices like the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25, but works well on most modern phones. Gemini Live integrates with other Google tools like Maps, Calendar, and Gmail, making it ideal for day-to-day productivity.
There’s no hard session limit, and no subscription required for live vision. However, users on Gemini Advanced ($20/month) or Gemini Ultra ($40/month) may experience enhanced performance with access to the Gemini 2.5 Pro model.
Meta AI gives you hands-free, wearable live video interaction.
Meta takes a different route with smart glasses. With the Ray-Ban Meta or Oakley Meta glasses, users can interact with Meta AI hands-free using built-in video and microphones. You activate the assistant by saying “Hey Meta” while wearing the glasses, and it processes what you’re seeing through the built-in 12MP camera.
Since early 2025, Meta AI has supported live visual interpretation, real-time translation, and even visual memory, meaning it can recall what you previously looked at and respond accordingly. A June 2025 firmware update added features like:
Visual reminders (“Remember where I parked”)
Object tracking
Instagram direct messages via voice
The glasses capture up to 60 seconds of video at a time, which is sent to Meta’s servers and analyzed before the assistant responds. While it’s not a continuous video stream like ChatGPT or Gemini, it offers a unique POV-based experience, perfect for real-world use on the go.
To use Meta AI this way, you’ll need:
Ray-Ban Meta or Oakley Meta glasses ($299–$379)
The Meta View app (Android/iOS)
Optional Meta AI+ subscription ($6.99/month) for cloud backups and enhanced features
Meta AI supports English, Spanish, French, and Italian for visual and voice interaction. It’s more about convenience and mobility than deep reasoning.
Quick comparison of ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta AI live video features
Which one should you choose?
Choose ChatGPT if you need high-level reasoning, explanations, or to solve structured academic or professional problems. It's the most advanced in terms of logic and deduction.
Choose Gemini Live if you want a free, responsive, mobile-native assistant that works well across Google services. It’s the most accessible and user-friendly solution.
Choose Meta AI if you're often on the move and want a hands-free assistant that sees what you see. It’s ideal for travelers, creators, or anyone needing AI vision in real-world settings.
Each assistant offers a different experience—with strengths in depth, integration, or mobility. In 2025, AI vision is no longer just about object detection—it’s about interactive understanding in real time.
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