News in Short

• Google announced the biggest redesign of Search in more than 25 years.
• AI Search now includes a new intelligent search box powered by Gemini 3.5 Flash.
• Search agents can monitor the web continuously and deliver updates automatically.
• Google is also bringing AI-powered dashboards, coding tools, and personalized experiences into Search.

Google has announced a major overhaul of AI Search during Google I/O 2026. The company says this is its biggest Search upgrade in more than 25 years. Instead of simply returning links, Search is now moving toward intelligent experiences that can understand, monitor, organize, and even act on behalf of users.

The announcement signals a broader shift. Search is no longer just about finding information. It is becoming an AI-powered system designed to understand intent and manage ongoing tasks. The update brings search agents, AI-powered interfaces, mini apps, personalized context tools, and deeper conversational experiences into Google Search.

What exactly changed in AI Search?

The centerpiece of the announcement is a redesigned AI experience powered by Gemini 3.5 Flash. Google says the model is now the default engine behind AI Mode worldwide.

At the center sits a completely redesigned Search box. This is not a small visual update. Google describes it as the largest Search box change in over two decades. Instead of relying on short keyword searches, users can now type more detailed prompts and natural questions.

The interface also expands dynamically. It suggests ideas beyond basic autocomplete and allows users to search through multiple formats including text, images, videos, files, and even Chrome tabs.

As a result, Search starts behaving more like an AI assistant and less like a traditional search engine.

How do Search agents work?

One of the biggest reveals was the arrival of Search agents. Google says users will soon create and manage AI agents directly inside Search.

These agents work continuously in the background. Instead of searching manually every day, users can assign tasks and let AI monitor the web for changes.

For example, someone looking for apartments can enter highly specific requirements and allow Search to scan listings continuously. When something matches, the agent can send updates automatically.

Similarly, sports fans can ask agents to track athlete announcements or sneaker collaborations. Once new information appears, Search delivers a summarized update.

Google says these information agents will first arrive for AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers this summer.

Search may now build experiences instead of answers

The updates move beyond question-and-answer interactions.

Google revealed new “agentic coding” capabilities inside Search. This allows Search to create custom interfaces and interactive experiences based on a user’s question.

For example, users trying to understand complex ideas like astrophysics can receive custom visual layouts, simulations, charts, and interactive tools generated in real time.

Then things become even more interesting.

Google says Search can eventually build mini applications or dashboards for ongoing tasks. A person planning a wedding could create a dashboard that tracks tasks and progress. Someone creating a fitness routine could receive a personalized tracker connected with weather updates, reviews, and maps.

Instead of searching repeatedly, users return to these AI-generated experiences over time.

Why is Google connecting Search with personal data?

Google also expanded Personal Intelligence within AI Mode to nearly 200 countries and 98 languages.

Users can securely connect services such as Gmail and Google Photos, with Google Calendar expected later. The company says users remain in control and decide when these connections happen.

The goal appears simple. AI becomes more useful when it understands user context rather than responding to isolated prompts.

However, this shift may raise new discussions around privacy and data access as AI systems become more integrated with personal information.

What does this mean for the future of search?

The internet has spent decades teaching users to search with keywords. However, AI Search appears to be rewriting those rules.

Users may increasingly move from searching for answers to assigning tasks. Instead of typing the same question repeatedly, AI systems could continuously monitor information, summarize changes, and perform actions automatically.

Google calls this the next chapter of Search. And based on what was shown at I/O 2026, AI Search may be evolving into something much larger than a search box.

For publishers, users, and the broader web ecosystem, this shift could redefine how information is discovered and consumed in the years ahead.

For itmatterss.in, the bigger story may not be AI replacing Search. The bigger story is AI Search turning Search itself into an active digital assistant.