At Google I/O 2026, Google introduced several new features and a major shift in how Search works. Instead of simply answering questions, Search is becoming an AI agent that can monitor, analyse and act on behalf of users.
Going beyond ‘search and click’
The new system is powered by Gemini and moves beyond the traditional “search and click” model. Rather than typing the same query repeatedly, users will be able to create persistent agents that keep working in the background. For example, instead of checking every day for cheap flights or product discounts, a user could ask Google Search to: track prices or monitor availability or compare reviews and the agent will send updates automatically, which would mean fewer searches and information delivered to the user on demand.
Search using anything as the start point
Google also announced a more multimodal search experience. Users can now search using screenshots, videos, documents, browser tabs and voice, not just text.
Get Google to work for you
Search is becoming more action orientated. Google says future versions may help users book reservations, contact businesses, organise information and complete tasks directly from Search. This marks a major evolution of the internet’s most widely used product. Search will no longer be just a list of links, it will become an intelligent assistant that continuously works for the user.
The shift also raises important questions about website traffic, SEO, and how much more information users will consume directly inside AI-generated answers instead of visiting external websites. Whether exciting or controversial, one thing is clear, Google is redefining what “search” means in the AI era.
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| Author | Jamie Prictor |
| Channel | Media |