Google Search is undergoing its biggest upgrade in 25 years, with Gemini 3.5 Flash now the default AI model. This update brings a new intelligent Search box, agentic coding, and "information agents" that can run 24/7 to monitor and synthesize information, transforming how users interact with search for complex tasks, with some advanced features for paying subscribers.
What Changed
Google Search is getting its biggest overhaul in 25 years, driven by the new Gemini 3.5 Flash model. This isn't just about faster searches; it's about turning Google into a proactive AI assistant that can manage complex tasks for you.
The change: Gemini 3.5 Flash is now the default AI model in Search's AI Mode. This upgrade powers an "intelligent Search box" that anticipates your questions and allows multi-modal input (text, images, video). The big news is the introduction of "Search agents." These agents can continuously monitor the web for specific criteria — for example, finding apartments that match all your needs or tracking when your favorite athlete drops new merchandise. Google is also rolling out "agentic coding" within Search, allowing custom generative UIs, simulations, and even mini-apps like personalized fitness trackers to be built on the fly. It's important to note that many advanced "information agent" features are rolling out first for paying Google AI Pro or Ultra subscribers, and functionalities like having Google call businesses on your behalf (part of agentic booking) are currently US-only.
Why It Matters
Why it matters: If you use Search for anything beyond quick facts, this changes your workflow. Instead of searching repeatedly, you can now set an agent to do the work in the background. For business owners, this means less time spent fact-finding and more time acting on synthesized information. From market research to lead generation, the ability to have an AI constantly scouting for relevant data is a significant shift. The agentic coding also opens doors for quick, custom tools without needing a developer.
Who should care: Anyone who relies on Google Search for work, research, or personal efficiency. Small business owners, marketers, researchers, and developers will find new ways to automate information gathering and even create simple applications directly within Search. Operators and creators should pay attention to how "information agents" can keep them updated on trends or competitor activities without constant manual checks.
What To Watch Next
What to try next: If you have Google AI Pro or Ultra, start experimenting with the "information agents" this summer. For everyone, the new intelligent Search box and generative UI capabilities will roll out soon, so try structured, complex queries to see what custom layouts and simulations Search can build for you. Think about tasks you repeat or information you constantly monitor, and consider how an AI agent could take over.
Risk/Limitation: While powerful, "information agents" are rolling out first for paying subscribers (Google AI Pro or Ultra), limiting immediate access for some. The functionality to have Google call businesses on your behalf (part of agentic booking) is currently limited to the US. As with any new AI, the quality of outputs from agentic coding and information agents will depend on the clarity of your instructions and the data available to the AI.
Bottom Line
Google's AI Search overhaul matters because search is shifting from returning links toward agentic systems that monitor, synthesize, and act across work.
