Google is set to revolutionize its search engine by integrating advanced artificial intelligence, as announced at its annual Google I/O developer conference on Tuesday. The tech giant will transform its search bar, allowing for longer and more nuanced queries that resemble natural human conversation rather than the traditional, structured syntax. This enhancement will direct users towards engaging with Google’s chatbot, powered by their latest AI model, Gemini 3.5, which was also revealed during the event. The new model aims to predict longer text based on user input and will enhance the visual elements of search results and provide interactive suggestions, such as creating calendar invites or spreadsheets directly within Google’s suite of products.
Elizabeth Reid, the head of Google Search, highlighted that these changes constitute the most significant update in the nearly three-decade history of the service. The rollout of these updates is set to occur globally across both desktop and mobile platforms. The new search experience will feature results that are more visually dynamic, akin to AI Overviews rather than the traditional list of links. However, users can still access the classic version of search by selecting a tab labeled “Web”. Reid also noted a surge in search queries, hitting an all-time high last month, with the chatbot-specific interface witnessing a doubling of queries every quarter since the introduction of Search’s “AI Mode” a year prior.
Google’s ambition with Gemini, according to Josh Woodward, who heads its development, is to create a “universal assistant” that is both personal and proactive. Despite having 900 million monthly users for the Gemini app, it still lags behind ChatGPT’s 900 million weekly users. The integration of AI agents into Google’s flagship search product signals a move from being a tool for tech-savvy individuals and businesses to becoming a widely accessible consumer resource. The AI Pro and Ultra subscribers will enjoy features like “information agents”, which are designed to carry out detailed research and provide summaries or action plans. Additionally, the “generative user interface” will allow users to create customized visuals and interactive elements tailored to their requests.
In a push into wearable tech, Google revealed a new line of “intelligent eyewear” in collaboration with Samsung and eyewear designers Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. These smart sunglasses and eyeglasses, set to hit the market in the fall, will respond to voice commands via Gemini and can capture photos or videos with built-in cameras. This move follows Meta’s partnership with EssilorLuxottica, which has been offering similar smart glasses under the Ray-Ban Meta brand since 2021. Google’s re-entry into the smart glasses market comes nearly a decade after its first attempt with Google Glass, which was discontinued in 2015 following widespread criticism. The evolving consumer interest in augmented-reality devices suggests a promising future for Google’s wearable tech endeavors.