tech
Google replaces the search box with AI agents at I/O 2026
Google unveiled a radical overhaul of Search at I/O 2026, replacing the traditional search box with an AI-powered interface built on Gemini 3.5 Flash. The update introduces “information agents” that monitor the web around the clock, generative UI that builds custom tools on the fly, and mini-apps users can create in natural language.
TL;DR
- Google's iconic search box has been replaced with an AI-powered interface using Gemini 3.5 Flash.
- The new interface accepts text, images, files, video, and Chrome tabs.
- It offers AI-generated interactive experiences instead of a list of blue links.
- New features include 'information agents' that monitor the web 24/7 and 'generative UI' for custom tools.
- Mini-apps can be created using natural language, pulling in real-time data.
- Information agents and mini-apps will be available to paid subscribers, while generative UI will be free.
- These changes may reduce incentive for users to click through to source websites, impacting publishers.
- The European Union is monitoring Google's compliance with the Digital Markets Act regarding data sharing.
- The update positions Google to compete with other AI-driven search paradigms from companies like OpenAI and Perplexity.