Google Search is changing, but by how much? What to know about updatesSkip to main content
Just how much is Google Search changing? Here's what's different
Greta Cross
USA TODAY
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Google Search is getting a facelift − the "biggest update" to the platform in more than 25 years, the tech giant claims.<br>At Google I/O on May 19, Google announced its iconic search bar will change to include more artificial intelligence capabilities, powered by the company's newly released AI model, Gemini 3.5 Flash.<br>In 2025, Google rolled out AI Mode, an advanced search engine users can toggle to for a more conversational experience, similar to AI chatbots like ChatGPT or Claude. The majority of the new updates are coming to Google's AI Mode. The traditional Google Search users are familiar with − a list of blue links from a search query − will remain available with minor updates to AI Overview, a Google statement obtained by USA TODAY said.<br>Interested in trying out the new Google Search? Here's what to know.<br>Is the old Google Search bar going away?<br>No, the traditional Google Search bar is here to stay and isn't changing that much, the Google statement obtained by USA TODAY said. Users who prefer the traditional Google Search experience can still type in a question or a series of keywords to receive a list of blue links to various websites.<br>The majority of updates are to Google Search AI Mode. To access AI Mode, users can click "AI Mode" or the plus sign button within the search bar.<br>What features does the new Google Search bar include?<br>The majority of the new updates are coming to Google Search's AI Mode. Here's a closer look:<br>Naturally conversation<br>Similar to other AI chatbots, the search bar in Google AI Mode functions more conversationally. According to a Google blog post, users can also ask Search follow-up questions.<br>Introducing Search agents<br>Google also introduced its own Search agents - AI personal assistants. These agents function in the background of a user's browser 24/7, pulling information from blogs, news sites, social media posts and online marketplaces, according to a Google blog post.<br>"If you want to know the instant any of your favorite pro athletes announce a sneaker collab, your agent will let you know when a new drop lands so you don’t miss out," Google Vice President of Search Elizabeth Reid wrote in a blog post.<br>Improved booking capabilities<br>Using AI Mode, users also have access to improved booking capabilities, including dining, ticketed events and beauty care appointments.<br>"Just share your specific criteria - like finding a private karaoke room for six on a Friday night that serves food late - and Search brings together the latest pricing and availability with direct links to finish booking through the provider of your choice," Reid wrote in a blog post.<br>For some categories, such as home repair, beauty or pet care, Search can call businesses on a user's behalf, according to a Google blog post. Users will answer a series of prompts before Google makes the call, and then they will receive a summary of the call afterward. This feature rolls out this summer.<br>Google Antigravity now available in Search<br>Launched in November, Google Antigravity is an AI-powered development program that can build applications from prompts rather than traditional coding.<br>With the updates, Google Antigravity is now available in Google Search's AI Mode, allowing users to ask for interactive visuals, graphics, tables, graphs or simulations. Google Antigravity will be available to users this summer, according to a Google blog post.<br>As an example, Google Antigravity could create an interactive fitness tracker for a user looking to establish a new health and wellness routine. Antigravity codes the tracker, which could include an interactive weekly workout schedule, meal tracker and a live map for outdoor workout routes.<br>Syncing Gmail, Photos and Calendar<br>Google's Personal Intelligence is also available in the newly updated AI Mode, and no subscription is needed. Personal Intelligence allows users to sync Google apps like Gmail, Photos, and soon, Calendar, for more personalized responses when using Search.<br>When does the new Google Search bar rollout?<br>The updates to Google AI Mode began rolling out on May 19, according to a Google blog post.<br>Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
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