【AI前沿】How to use Google’s new AI agents to go beyond your standard searches

At theGoogle I/O 2026keynote, the tech giantrevealed new agentic capabilities in Search, where users can create, customize, and manage multiple AI agents to stay updated on topics of interest. The announcement is part of Google’s larger push toward agentic AI systems that can take initiative and assist with ongoing tasks instead of answering one question at a time.Unlike traditional search tools that respond only when prompted, Google’s information agents are designed to operate continuously in the background, 24/7, helping users stay informed about their interests without needing to repeatedly search for the same information every day.Instead of delivering a list of links, the agents can synthesize information from multiple sources, explain why something matters, compare perspectives, and provide actionable insights. In many ways, the agents represent the next evolution of Google Alerts, the notification service Google launched in 2003. However, these agents are designed to go beyond simple notifications.For instance, someone following the stock market could create an information agent focused on specific companies, share price, or economic trends. The agent could monitor market activity throughout the day, track breaking news, summarize earnings reports, alert users when major changes happen, and provide summaries and links to learn more.Image Credits:GoogleIt could also help with everyday tasks, such as tracking flight prices for upcoming trips, monitoring sports teams and live events, following breaking news, keeping tabs on housing or job market trends, and tracking weather or traffic.To use the feature, users can open AI Mode in Search and enter a prompt.For example: “Keep me updated on nearby movie tickets for ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu.’” When something relevant appears, the Google app sends a push notification. You’ll also see your active tracked topics in your AI Mode history, where you can jump back in to manage, refine, or turn off an alert.Information agents will be available this summer. The company is first rolling them out to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S., then to additional markets later on.In addition to these information agents, Google also introduced amajor redesign of Search, including what it describes as a reimagined “intelligent search box,” the company’s biggest change to Search in more than 25 years. The new interface is designed to support longer, more conversational queries. There’s also a new AI-powered query suggestion system that goes beyond traditional autocomplete, helping users craft nuanced and context-aware searches.Catch up on the rest of Google IO 2026’s big newsGoogle Search as you know it is overGoogle updates Gemini app to take on ChatGPT and ClaudeGoogle introduces Gemini Spark, a 24/7 agent assistant with Gmail integrationHow to use Google’s new information agentsTopicsAI,AI agents,Google,google io 2026,Google SearchWhen you purchase through links in our articles,we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.Lauren ForristalLauren covers media, streaming, apps and platforms at TechCrunch.You can contact or verify outreach from Lauren by [email protected] via encrypted message at laurenforris22.25 on Signal.View BioMay 27Athens, GreeceStrictlyVC Athens is up next. Hear unfiltered insights straight from Europe’s tech leaders and connect with the people shaping what’s ahead. Lock in your spot before it’s gone.REGISTER NOWMost PopularGoogle Search as you know it is overSarah PerezElon Musk has lost his lawsuit against Sam Altman and OpenAITim FernholzUsers turn to jailbreaking their older Kindles as Amazon ends supportLauren ForristalOpenAI launches ChatGPT for personal finance, will let you connect bank accountsIvan MehtaUS orders travelers on Air Force One to throw away gifts, pins, and burner phones after China tripLorenzo Franceschi-BicchieraiOpenAI is reportedly preparing legal action against Apple; it wouldn’t be the first partner to feel burnedConnie LoizosHow to turn off Instagram’s new Instants feature and retract photos you accidentally sharedAisha Malik