Google adds background information agents to Search
Google announced new information agents for Search at its 2026 I/O keynote. The agents can monitor topics continuously, summarize updates from multiple sources, and send notifications to users, starting this summer for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S.
Google is adding new information agents to Search that can watch topics for users and keep working in the background, according to the company’s 2026 I/O keynote. The feature is designed to let people create, customize, and manage multiple AI agents that stay on top of ongoing interests instead of answering one query at a time.
The company said these agents are part of its broader push toward agentic AI systems, meaning software that can take initiative and carry out ongoing tasks rather than waiting for every new prompt. In practice, Google’s information agents are meant to function more like always-on assistants than like a standard search box.
That is a step beyond traditional search and beyond Google Alerts, the notification service Google launched in 2003. Rather than only sending a heads-up when a keyword appears, the new agents can synthesize information from multiple sources, explain why a development matters, compare different perspectives, and surface actionable insights.
Google used several examples to show how the feature could work. A user following the stock market could set up an agent for specific companies, share price movement, or economic trends. The agent could monitor activity throughout the day, track breaking news, summarize earnings reports, and alert the user when major changes happen.
Google also said the agents could help with everyday monitoring tasks. The company pointed to use cases such as tracking flight prices for a trip, watching sports teams and live events, following breaking news, keeping tabs on housing or job market trends, and monitoring weather or traffic.
To use the feature, users open AI Mode in Search and enter a prompt. Google gave an example prompt: “keep me updated on nearby movie tickets for ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’.” When relevant information appears, the Google app sends a push notification.
Users can also review what they are tracking in AI Mode history. From there, they can jump back in to manage an agent, refine its focus, or turn the alert off.
Google said information agents will be available this summer. The first rollout is limited to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S., with additional markets coming later.
The announcement came alongside a broader redesign of Search. Google described the new look as a reimagined “intelligent search box,” which it called the biggest change to Search in more than 25 years.
The redesigned interface is meant to support longer, more conversational queries. Google also introduced a new AI-powered query suggestion system that goes beyond traditional autocomplete and helps users build more nuanced, context-aware searches.
