Google gives Gemini its own AI agent called Spark, Search gets Generative UI update

Google has introduced Gemini Spark, a new AI agent that can automate tasks across Gmail, Docs, and other apps while working in the background for users. The company has also redesigned Google Search with a smarter AI-powered interface and upcoming "information agents" that can track things online automatically.

In Short

• Gemini Spark can summarise emails, create reports, and automate recurring workflows
• Google Search now supports AI-powered autocomplete, AI Mode integration, and file attachments
• New “information agents” will monitor websites and alert users about products, updates, and more

Google has unveiled one of its biggest AI upgrades yet at Google I/O 2026, introducing a new AI agent called Gemini Spark and redesigning Google Search with a more conversational, AI-first interface. The announcements show how aggressively Google is pushing its AI ecosystem beyond simple chatbots and toward tools that can independently complete tasks, monitor information, and even operate apps on a user’s behalf. Here are all the details.

Gemini Spark turns AI assistant into an active digital worker

At the centre of the announcements is Gemini Spark, which Google describes as a "24/7 personal AI agent." Unlike a normal assistant that only responds when asked a question, Spark is designed to proactively handle tasks and workflows in the background. Powered by Gemini 3.5, the tool works closely with Google Workspace apps like Gmail, Docs, and Slides, allowing users to automate repetitive jobs that would normally take several manual steps.

Google says Spark can scan emails and prepare deadline summaries, create reports from meeting notes, and even draft follow-up emails automatically. Users can also set recurring tasks. For example, Spark can monitor monthly credit card bills to detect hidden charges or unusual fees. The company is also allowing users to combine multiple connected actions into larger workflows. A user could ask Spark to analyse chats and emails related to a project, generate a polished report in Google Docs, and prepare an email draft ready to send to colleagues.

The company stressed that Spark will remain fully optional. Users will have control over which apps the AI agent can access and whether it is allowed to operate at all. Besides Google Workspace, Spark will also support third-party platforms such as Canva, OpenTable, and Instacart at launch, with more integrations planned in the coming weeks.

Google also revealed that Spark’s capabilities will expand further soon. Upcoming features include the ability to send texts and emails, along with browser control functions that could let the AI interact with websites directly. However, the company says Spark will request permission before performing “high-stakes actions like spending money or sending emails.”

The AI agent is expected to arrive for testers shortly before rolling out to Google AI Ultra beta users in the US next week. Google also plans to bring Spark to the Gemini desktop app later this summer, giving it access to local files and allowing it to perform tasks directly on users’ computers.

Google Search gets smarter with AI-first interface and background agents

Alongside the Spark announcement, Google also showcased a major redesign of its Search experience. The company is introducing an updated search box that blends traditional search with AI tools more naturally. Powered by the Gemini 3.5 Flash model, the redesigned interface supports longer and more detailed queries while adding smarter AI autocomplete suggestions that help users build questions in real time.

The updated experience is aimed at reducing the confusion between AI Overviews and AI Mode in Search. Users who ask follow-up questions inside AI Overviews will now automatically move into AI Mode, which behaves more like a chatbot-powered search experience. Google is also making AI Mode easier to access directly by allowing users to attach documents, images, videos, and even Chrome tabs to search queries.

The updated Search interface is starting to roll out globally on desktop and mobile devices from Tuesday. Users who still prefer classic blue-link search results can continue using the dedicated “Web” tab.

Google also teased another major AI feature called “information agents.” These agents are designed to continuously monitor the internet in the background and notify users when something relevant appears online. The company says these agents can track websites, social media posts, online stores, and other sources automatically.

One example shared during the event involved searching for a specific pair of shoes in a certain size. Instead of repeatedly checking websites manually, users can set up an information agent with their requirements. The AI will then create a plan, track listings across the internet, and send alerts once the product becomes available.

The move could create fresh challenges for brands, publishers, and online businesses already dealing with the growing impact of AI-powered search experiences on website traffic. As AI systems increasingly summarise information directly inside search tools, many publishers fear users may stop visiting websites altogether.

Google says the new information agents are expected to begin rolling out this summer

- Ends