Google has upgraded its Search platform to the Gemini 3.5 Flash model, integrating significant AI enhancements announced at the Google I/O 2026 event. This update allows for faster inferencing and processing of various media types, enabling a new Intelligent Search Box that dynamically enlarges for complex queries and accepts inputs such as videos, images, files, and Chrome tabs. According to Google, these features represent the most substantial changes to the search box in 25 years.
Liz Reid, head of Search at Google, stated, “It’s more intuitive than ever, dynamically expanding to give you space to describe exactly what you need.” The new design aims to anticipate user intent with AI-powered suggestions, enhancing the search experience beyond traditional autocomplete functions. Users can now ask follow-up questions for more refined results, marking a shift towards a more conversational interaction.
Additionally, Google plans to launch a suite of new agentic capabilities this summer for Gemini Pro and Ultra subscribers. These agentic features will autonomously search the web based on user prompts, allowing for complex inquiries such as finding specific apartments. Google indicated that these agents would have access to a wide array of information, including blogs, news sites, and real-time data on finance, shopping, and sports.
Free users will receive limited updates this summer, such as the ability to book local experiences and services, which Google claims will include accurate pricing and complete bookings. The technology will also allow users to request Google to make calls to businesses for appointments, similar to the Duplex AI feature introduced with Google Assistant in 2018.
Google plans to integrate its Antigravity coding app into Search this summer for Pro and Ultra users, enabling the creation of generative UI elements and mini apps within the search platform. The company states that this incorporation aims to transform Search from a tool into a central aspect of the user experience.
The expansion of Personal Intelligence in AI Mode will extend to nearly 200 countries and 98 languages, linking Gemini with Gmail, Photos, and Calendar to improve result accuracy. Users will have control over connecting their accounts; however, there are concerns regarding automatic opt-ins for data sharing. Reid emphasized, “You’re always in control” of these features, but the potential for default account linking remains a point of contention among users.
