Google for years has been moving away from delivering a list of blue links in response to search queries. But the refreshed search engine, which runs on the company’s new Gemini 3.5 Flash model, represents what may be its biggest shift yet toward AI and away from traditional search.the new search field expands to accommodate longer queries that are more conversational, aligning with the way one might type or talk into Gemini or ChatGPT.
Users will be able to create “agents” in Google’s search engine that can track or research topics on their own. Google says it’s useful for tasks that require tracking and monitoring announcements and listings over time, like apartment hunting or new apparel releases. One can, for example, enter a query like “Keep me updated when any of my favorite athletes announce sneaker collabs or signature drops” to prompt Google to monitor announcements from notable athletes and brands, the company cited as an example in a press release.
Google will also now generate custom visuals and mini apps in response to certain requests, such as creating a fitness tracker that incorporates a person’s location, weather data and apps connected to their Google account.