How to use Google’s new AI agents to go beyond your standard searches

During the highly anticipated Google I/O 2026 keynote, Google showcased groundbreaking advancements in its Search functionality, introducing the ability for users to create and manage personalized AI agents. This innovation marks a significant shift towards agentic AI, which is designed to proactively assist with ongoing tasks rather than simply responding to individual queries. Unlike conventional search tools that only provide answers when prompted, Google's new information agents operate continuously, ensuring users remain informed about their interests around the clock. These agents surpass basic search capabilities by synthesizing information from various sources, offering insights that explain the relevance of data, contrasting different perspectives, and delivering actionable recommendations. This new functionality can be viewed as the next step in the evolution of Google Alerts, a service that has been around since 2003. However, these AI agents go well beyond mere notifications. For example, a user interested in the stock market could set up an agent to monitor specific companies, share prices, and economic trends. This agent would keep track of relevant market activity, summarize breaking news, alert users to significant changes, and provide links for further exploration. In addition to financial monitoring, the agents can assist with various everyday tasks. They can track flight prices for future trips, follow sports teams and live events, stay updated on breaking news, monitor housing or job market trends, and keep an eye on weather or traffic conditions. To utilize this feature, users can activate AI Mode in Search and enter a specific prompt, such as “Keep me updated on nearby movie tickets for ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu.’” When pertinent information arises, the Google app will send a push notification. Users can also view their active tracked topics in the AI Mode history, allowing for easy management, refinement, or deactivation of alerts. These innovative information agents are set to launch this summer, initially available to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S., with plans for expansion to other markets soon after. Alongside this feature, Google revealed a significant redesign of its Search interface, introducing what it calls a reimagined 'intelligent search box.' This update represents the most substantial change to Google Search in over 25 years, designed to accommodate longer and more conversational queries, complemented by a new AI-driven query suggestion system that enhances the search experience. The landscape of Google Search is evolving, with these advancements promising to redefine how users interact with information online.