The topic Google Search is getting a complete AI overhaul — here’s what’s actually… is currently the subject of lively discussion — readers and analysts are keeping a close eye on developments.
This is taking place in a dynamic environment: companies’ decisions and competitors’ reactions can quickly change the picture.
At Google I/O on May 19, the search giant announced a slew of AI-powered updates to its core search product, including what it’s calling the Search box’s “biggest upgrade in over 25 years.”
The Google search widget has a lot of customization options you’re probably ignoring.
Google has updated AI Mode to use Gemini 3.5 Flash, its latest Flash model. Prior to today, Search was primarily using Gemini 2.5, with occasional switches to 3.1 Pro for more complex tasks. The bump to 3.5 Flash is significant — it’s not just (much) faster, but also more capable. Gemini 3.5 Flash is the default in AI Mode globally starting May 19.
AI Mode has also gotten some upgrades as a result. You can ask a question in the AI Overview, and the whole thing will shift seamlessly over to AI Mode and turn the query into a deeper conversation. Technically, this has been possible for a while now — at least, for some users — but it’s been made official as of today, and it works quite well.
The Search box also got some major updates — Google says it is “completely reimagined with AI.” Visually, it now expands if you exceed its capacity, so you can see your whole query at all times. Prior to this change, the box would scroll horizontally, cutting off your text.
However, the bigger change is that it directly incorporates AI. The search suggestions aren’t just autocomplete — Google says the Search box now attempts to anticipate your intent and provides AI-powered suggestions. There’s now a + button on the left side of the box that lets you feed it inputs like recent tabs, images, and files to provide context for queries. You can even drag-and-drop items onto it. for example, you can drag an entire Chrome tab onto the bar and then ask it a question about that tab.
The new Search box is rolling out starting May 19 everywhere AI Mode is available.
Okay, now we’re really getting into new territory: you’ll soon be able to create custom AI agents directly in the search bar to handle tasks for you. The first round of agents are “information agents” that can keep you updated on topics.
Agentic booking capabilities are also being expanded, with the ability to provide criteria and receive recommendations and links to book directly in the search results. Google’s example is very specific: “find a private karaoke room for six on a Friday night that serves food late.” These agentic capabilities will roll out to everyone in the US this summer.
The most out-there new Search feature is the ability to have Search literally code a custom experience for you to match your query, right in Search, on the fly. for example, if you ask how black holes affect spacetime, Search will create a custom visualization that you can play with to help explain the answer.
Google’s AI Overviews and AI Mode were controversial when they launched, but the company says adoption has been rapid — AI Mode queries have more than doubled every quarter since launch. However, you’ve been largely able to ignore these features if you wanted (although AI can sometimes find info faster than a Google search).
These new changes make avoiding AI in Search far more difficult — Gemini is active in the Search box as you’re typing your query. They also paint a clear picture of where Google is headed with its core product, like it or not.
This isn’t just a Google thing, either. Even DuckDuckGo incorporates AI features in its flagship search product. For now, at least, the old list of hyperlinks is still there, but it may just be a matter of time before even that gets changed.
What do you think? Are you a fan of Google’s AI Search features? Drop a comment and let us know.