Google is set to revolutionize its search capabilities by integrating advanced artificial intelligence, as announced at its annual Google I/O conference. This major update will allow the search bar, a cornerstone of Google’s services, to handle longer and more detailed inquiries, resembling natural human conversation rather than the traditional keyword-based searches. The enhancement is powered by Google’s latest AI model, Gemini 3.5, which was also unveiled during the event. The new system encourages users to interact directly with Google’s chatbot, offering a more interactive and visually rich search experience. These updates are being rolled out globally across both desktop and mobile platforms.
Elizabeth Reid, the head of Google Search, described the update as the most significant in Google Search’s nearly three decades of existence. The new AI-powered search will provide results that are more visually engaging and will include options to create calendar events, spreadsheets, and other actions within Google’s suite of products. Users can still opt for the traditional list of links by selecting the “Web” tab if they prefer. According to Reid, the use of Google Search reached an unprecedented peak last month, with the AI Mode seeing a doubling of queries each quarter since its introduction a year ago.
The goal behind Google Gemini, as articulated by Josh Woodward, who oversees the AI’s development, is to evolve into a “universal assistant” characterized by personalization, proactivity, and persistence. This initiative extends beyond tech-savvy users, aiming to introduce AI to a broader consumer base. Although the Gemini app boasts 900 million monthly users, it remains behind ChatGPT, which has 900 million weekly users. For subscribers to AI Pro and Ultra plans, Google Search will offer “information agents,” autonomous bots capable of conducting thorough research and providing summarized insights or actionable plans. Additionally, a new feature called Gemini Spark will integrate with users’ Gmail, Google Calendar, and other Google products to assist with research, shopping, and planning tasks.
In a move to revisit the smart eyewear market, Google has partnered with Samsung and eyewear brands Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to launch a new line of intelligent glasses. Scheduled to hit the market in the fall, these glasses will feature voice-command functionality linked to Gemini and will be equipped with cameras for capturing photos and videos. This venture follows Google’s earlier attempt with Google Glass in 2014, which faced considerable criticism and was discontinued. However, with changing perceptions, companies like Meta have identified augmented-reality glasses as a promising growth area and have been selling similar products since 2021.