On Tuesday, Google revealed significant enhancements to its iconic search bar by integrating advanced artificial intelligence. This move comes alongside another venture into high-tech eyewear, a field the company first explored over a decade ago with its Google Glass, which faced criticism and mockery, particularly in San Francisco. These announcements were made during Google I/O, the tech giant’s annual software developer conference.
The revamped Google Search is set to handle longer, more conversational queries, resembling natural human interaction rather than the traditional search syntax. This adjustment is supported by Google’s latest AI model, Gemini 3.5, introduced simultaneously. The AI will enable more extended text predictions and provide users with interactive visual elements, encouraging them to use Google’s AI for tasks like creating calendar events or spreadsheets.
Elizabeth Reid, in charge of Google Search, described the updates as the most significant in nearly 30 years of the product’s history, emphasizing the global rollout for both desktop and mobile platforms. The new search results will feature visually enriched AI Overviews instead of the standard list of links, though users can still opt for the traditional search results by selecting the “Web” tab. Since the introduction of the “AI Mode” a year ago, which allows users to interact with a Gemini-powered bot, engagement with this interface has surged, doubling every quarter.
Josh Woodward, who leads the development of Gemini, explained the objective of creating a “universal assistant” that is personal and proactive. Currently, the Gemini app has 900 million monthly users, contrasting with ChatGPT’s 900 million weekly users. The introduction of AI agents into Google’s primary search product signifies an expansion from a tech-focused audience to a broader consumer base. Subscribers to AI Pro and Ultra plans will have the ability to create “information agents,” capable of conducting in-depth research and generating summaries or plans. Additionally, the “generative user interface” will allow for customized visuals and interactive elements, while the Gemini Spark feature will access personal Google data for tasks like trip planning and shopping.
In partnership with Samsung and eyewear brands Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, Google also unveiled a new line of “intelligent eyewear” set for release in the fall. These smart glasses will feature voice command capabilities with Gemini and built-in cameras for photos and videos. This follows a similar path taken by Meta, which has collaborated with EssilorLuxottica to market its Ray-Ban Meta glasses since 2021. Google’s previous attempt with Google Glass in 2014 faced significant backlash, but the current industry trend suggests a growing acceptance, as Meta views augmented-reality glasses as a key growth area, and Google is already working on a second model, Project Aura, which includes an in-lens display.