Google Redesigns Search Box for First Time in 25 Years — AI Agents Coming This Summer
What happened
Google has announced the biggest redesign of its Search box in 25 years, alongside new AI "Information Agents" that will run in the background and notify users when something changes on a topic they care about.
The new Search box, announced at Google I/O on 20 May, dynamically expands to let users describe exactly what they need — going well beyond traditional keyword searches. It accepts text, images, files, videos, and even Chrome tabs as inputs. AI-powered suggestions now replace basic autocomplete, helping users formulate more detailed queries.
Alongside this, Google confirmed that AI Mode — its AI-powered search experience — has now surpassed one billion monthly users, with queries more than doubling every quarter. Gemini 3.5 Flash is the new default model powering AI Mode globally.
The new "Information Agents" will launch this summer for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the US. These are persistent AI processes that monitor topics 24/7 and push synthesised briefings when something changes — effectively an always-on research assistant built into Search.
What this means for tradespeople
The shift from keyword search to conversational, AI-driven search changes how homeowners find tradespeople. Instead of typing "plumber near me," a homeowner might describe their entire situation: "I need a Gas Safe registered plumber in Leeds who can fit a combi boiler next week and has good reviews."
Google's AI will then pull together the most relevant local businesses — and your Google Business Profile, reviews, and service descriptions are what it reads to decide whether to recommend you. Thin profiles with few reviews and no service details won't surface in these richer, more specific queries.
The Information Agents feature, while initially US-only, signals where things are heading. Homeowners will increasingly rely on AI to monitor and shortlist tradespeople before they even start actively searching.
What to do about it
Make sure your Google Business Profile is complete and detailed — services listed, service area defined, photos of recent work, and a steady flow of fresh reviews. The more specific detail Google's AI can read about your business, the more likely it is to match you to these conversational queries.
Source: Google — Search's I/O 2026 updates: AI agents and more