Alphabet (GOOGL) Stock: Google Launches Biggest Search Upgrade in 25 Years

TLDR

• Google unveiled a fully redesigned Search box at Google I/O, powered by Gemini 3.5 Flash, marking the product’s biggest upgrade in over 25 years.
• New “information agents” will monitor the web 24/7 on a user’s behalf for personalised alerts, rolling out to AI Pro & Ultra subscribers this summer.
• AI Mode has hit 1 billion monthly users, with queries more than doubling every quarter since launch.
• Google Search ad revenue hit $60.4 billion in Q1, up 19% year over year, with total revenue reaching $109.9 billion.
• Gemini now has 900 million monthly users, up from 400 million last year, while rival OpenAI claims 900 million weekly active users.

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Google debuted a sweeping overhaul of its Search product at Google I/O on Tuesday, calling it the biggest update to Search in the platform’s 25-year history. GOOGL closed at $384.90, down 2.09% on the day, before ticking up 0.39% in pre-market trading.

Google $GOOGL just posted this today:

“Today we are starting to roll out the biggest upgrade to the Google Search box in over 25 years — now completely reimagined with AI” pic.twitter.com/xy8sEyYdk8

— Evan (@StockMKTNewz) May 20, 2026

The centerpiece of the announcement is a fully redesigned Search box, now running on Gemini 3.5 Flash. The box dynamically expands and accepts text, images, files, videos, and Chrome tabs as inputs.

Users can now hold back-and-forth conversations directly from AI Overview panels, flowing seamlessly into AI Mode. Google says context is retained throughout the session.

Perhaps the most eye-catching feature is the introduction of “information agents.” These are persistent background agents that monitor the web around the clock and fire off alerts when conditions a user has set are met.

One example given: an agent that watches for a favourite athlete’s sneaker collaboration announcement. Another: an agent scanning apartment listings against a specific wishlist. Both run quietly in the background without the user having to check back manually.

Information agents will launch for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers first, this summer.

Search Is Already Delivering

The announcement comes off the back of strong Q1 numbers. Google Search and other advertising revenue reached $60.4 billion, a 19% year-over-year jump. Total revenue came in at $109.9 billion.

AI Mode, which launched a year ago, has already crossed 1 billion monthly users. Queries have more than doubled every quarter since launch, and Google said last quarter saw an all-time high in Search queries overall.

Google is also bringing agentic coding capabilities to Search. The idea is that Search can build custom dashboards, trackers, and mini-apps on the fly in response to user questions. A fitness and meal tracker built around your schedule, gym memberships, and local weather is one example the company gave.

These “generative UI” capabilities will be available to all users for free this summer.

Gemini Gets a Refresh Too

Beyond Search, Gemini itself is getting updated. The app now has a new design, Gemini Live conversational chat, and a Daily Brief feature that connects to Gmail and Calendar to give users a summary of their day.

Gemini Spark, a new personal agent, goes further. It can comb through credit card statements for hidden fees or monitor a school inbox for project deadlines. Users control which apps connect to Spark, and the agent requests permission before spending money or sending emails.

Gemini reaches 900 million monthly users, up from 400 million a year ago.

That growth comes as competition stiffens. OpenAI reported 900 million weekly active users in February and more than 50 million paying subscribers.

Google said Personal Intelligence in AI Mode is now expanding to nearly 200 countries across 98 languages, with no subscription required.