Google launches AI agents that monitor topics 24/7 in Search

At Google I/O 2026, the company unveiled a new class of AI agents embedded directly into Search, designed to operate 24/7 in the background. Unlike traditional search that waits for a query, these 'information agents' can be created via a simple prompt (e.g., 'Keep me updated on nearby movie tickets for The Mandalorian and Grogu') and will continuously monitor the web for relevant changes. When new information surfaces, the Google app sends a push notification with a synthesized summary, including why the update matters, comparisons of perspectives, and links for deeper dives. This goes far beyond the basic notifications of Google Alerts from 2003. Examples include tracking specific stock prices, monitoring flight price fluctuations, following sports team live events, or keeping tabs on housing market trends. Users can manage and refine their active tracked topics from their AI Mode history.

The introduction of information agents is part of a larger overhaul of Google Search, described as the biggest user interface change in 25 years. The new 'intelligent search box' supports longer, more conversational queries, and an AI-powered query suggestion system replaces traditional autocomplete with context-aware prompts. Information agents will launch this summer, initially exclusive to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S. with expansion to other markets and tiers planned later. This evolution represents a fundamental shift from a reactive search engine to a proactive, personalized research assistant that continuously learns and adapts to user interests.