A new era for AI Search
A New Era for AI Search
Google's VP of Search, Elizabeth Reid, recently announced a significant upgrade to the company's search engine, marking a new era for AI-powered search. The update brings together the best of a search engine with the best of AI, enabling users to ask complex questions and receive intelligent, synthesized answers. In this article, we'll explore the key features of the update and what it means for users.
Powerful AI, Right in Search
The new update introduces Gemini 3.5 Flash, Google's newest Flash model, as the default model in AI Mode for everyone globally. This improvement enables sustained frontier performance for agents and coding, making it easier for users to find the information they need. Additionally, the update includes a new, intelligent AI-powered search box that dynamically expands to give users space to describe exactly what they need.
Intuitive Search Box
The new search box is designed to anticipate users' intent and help them formulate their questions with AI-powered suggestions that go beyond autocomplete. Users can search across modalities, using text, images, files, videos, or Chrome tabs as inputs. The search box is starting to roll out today, in all countries and languages where AI Mode is available.
Seamless Conversation
The update also makes it easier for users to continue the conversation with Search. Users can easily ask a follow-up question right from an AI Overview, and flow into a conversational back-and-forth with AI Mode. The context stays with users, and as they explore more deeply, the links and supporting articles get even more relevant.
Search Agents
Google is entering the era of Search agents, where users can easily create, customize, and manage multiple AI agents for their many tasks, right in Search. The company is starting with information agents, which operate in the background, 24/7, and intelligently reason across information to find exactly what users need at exactly the right moment.
Information Agents
Information agents can stay updated on whatever matters most to users. They will intelligently look across everything on the web, like blogs, news sites, and social posts, plus Google's freshest data, such as real-time info on finance, shopping, and sports, to monitor for changes related to users' specific questions. Information agents will launch first for Google AI Pro & Ultra subscribers this summer.
Agentic Booking Capabilities
Google is also expanding agentic booking capabilities in Search to a wide range of new tasks, including local experiences and services. Users can share their specific criteria, like finding a private karaoke room for six on a Friday night that serves food late, and Search will bring together the latest pricing and availability with direct links to finish booking through the provider of their choice.
Agentic Shopping
Google is introducing new agentic capabilities to help users shop in Search. This includes features like automatically adding items to users' shopping lists, suggesting related products, and providing personalized recommendations.
Agentic Coding in Search
Google is bringing the power of Google Antigravity and the agentic coding capabilities of Gemini 3.5 Flash right into Search. Search can build the ideal response, in the right format for users' questions, completely on the fly. This includes custom generative UI, including visual tools and simulations, tailored precisely to users' needs.
Custom Dashboards and Trackers
Search can go a step further, building users custom dashboards or trackers that they can continue to come back to and make progress on. This includes features like mini apps for users' specific tasks, like planning a wedding or managing a home move.
Expanded Personal Intelligence in Search
Google is expanding Personal Intelligence in AI Mode to more people in nearly 200 countries and territories across 98 languages, no subscription required. Users can securely connect apps like Gmail and Google Photos, and soon Google Calendar. Personal Intelligence was designed with transparency, choice, and control at its core.
Why This Matters
The new update marks a significant shift in the way Search works, enabling users to ask complex questions and receive intelligent, synthesized answers. This has significant implications for users, who can now find the information they need more easily and efficiently. The update also opens up new possibilities for businesses and organizations, who can use Search to reach their target audience and provide personalized experiences.
Real-World Applications
The update has significant real-world applications, from helping users plan their daily lives to providing businesses with new opportunities for growth and engagement. For example, users can use Search to plan their daily commute, find the best restaurants in their area, or research products before making a purchase. Businesses can use Search to reach their target audience, provide personalized experiences, and drive sales.
Forward-Looking Thoughts
The new update marks a significant step forward in the development of AI-powered search. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative features and capabilities emerge. This includes the potential for Search to become even more personalized, with users able to access information and experiences tailored precisely to their needs and interests. As we look to the future, it's clear that the possibilities for Search are endless, and we can't wait to see what's next.
Source: https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/products/search/search-io-2026/
