How to go beyond standard search with Google’s new AI agent

In its Google I/O 2026 keynote, the tech giant revealed new agent features in search. Users can create, customize, and manage multiple AI agents to stay updated on the topics they care about. The announcement is part of Google’s larger push for agent AI systems that can take charge and assist with ongoing tasks, rather than answering one question at a time.

Unlike traditional search tools that only respond when prompted, Google’s information agent is designed to work continuously in the background 24/7, ensuring users get the information they’re interested in without having to repeatedly search for the same information every day.

Instead of delivering a list of links, agents can integrate information from multiple sources, explain why it’s important, compare perspectives, and provide actionable insights. In many ways, Agent represents the next evolution of Google Alerts, the notification service that Google launched in 2003. However, these agents are designed to do more than just notify you.

For example, someone who tracks the stock market can create an information agent that focuses on specific companies, stock prices, and economic trends. Agents can monitor market activity throughout the day, track breaking news, summarize earnings reports, alert users when major changes occur, and provide summaries and links to learn more.

It can also be useful for everyday tasks such as tracking airline ticket prices for upcoming trips, monitoring sports teams and live events, following breaking news, understanding trends in the housing and job markets, and tracking weather and traffic.

To use this feature, users open AI mode in Search and enter the prompt.

For example: “Keep me up to date about The Mandalorian and Grogu movie tickets near me.” The Google app will send you a push notification when something relevant appears. Your AI mode history also shows your active tracking topics, where you can return to manage, adjust, or turn off alerts.

Information Agent will be available this summer. The company will first roll these out to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S., followed by additional markets.

In addition to these information agents, Google has also introduced a major redesign of search. This includes something called the reimagined “Intelligent Search Box.” This is the company’s biggest change to search in more than 25 years. The new interface is designed to support longer, more conversational queries. There’s also a new AI-powered query suggestion system that goes beyond traditional autocomplete, allowing users to create nuanced and context-aware searches.