How to Use Google's New AI Information Agents in Search

Key Takeaways

• Google's information agents run 24/7 in the background, tracking topics and sending push notifications when something relevant happens
• The agents synthesize information from multiple sources rather than returning a list of links
• Available this summer, rolling out first to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S.

Google just made the biggest change to Search in 25 years. At I/O 2026, the company unveiled AI information agents. These run continuously in the background, monitoring topics you care about and alerting you when something happens.

This is not another chatbot that waits for you to ask a question. These agents take initiative. They watch, synthesize, compare, and notify. Think Google Alerts, but actually useful.

What Information Agents Actually Do

Traditional search works on a request-response model. You type a query, you get links. Google's information agents flip that model. You tell the agent what you care about once, and it monitors that topic 24/7.

When something relevant happens, you get a push notification. But the agent does not just send you a link. It synthesizes information from multiple sources, explains why the development matters, compares different perspectives, and provides actionable insights.

Take stock tracking as an example. You could create an agent focused on specific companies, share prices, or economic trends. The agent monitors market activity throughout the day, tracks breaking news, summarizes earnings reports, and alerts you when major changes happen. It also provides summaries and links if you want to dig deeper.

Everyday Use Cases

Google pitched several practical applications beyond financial tracking:

• Flight price monitoring for upcoming trips
• Sports team and live event updates
• Breaking news on specific topics
• Housing and job market trends
• Weather and traffic conditions

The flight tracking example is particularly interesting. Instead of manually checking prices every day, you set up an agent once. It monitors prices across airlines and alerts you when fares drop or when a deal appears.

How to Set Up an Information Agent

The setup process is straightforward:

1. Open AI Mode in Google Search
2. Enter a prompt describing what you want to track (example: "Keep me updated on nearby movie tickets for 'The Mandalorian and Grogu'")
3. The agent starts monitoring immediately

When the agent finds something relevant, the Google app sends a push notification. Your active tracked topics appear in your AI Mode history. From there, you can jump back in to manage, refine, or turn off any alert.

The Bigger Search Redesign

Information agents are part of a larger Search overhaul. Google also introduced what it calls a reimagined "intelligent search box." The company described it as the biggest change to Search in more than 25 years.

The new interface supports longer, more conversational queries. There is also a new AI-powered query suggestion system that goes beyond traditional autocomplete. Instead of just predicting what you might type next, it helps you craft more nuanced and context-aware searches.

Availability and Pricing

Information agents launch this summer. Google is rolling them out first to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S. Additional markets will follow, though Google did not specify a timeline.

This tiered rollout follows Google's recent pattern of launching AI features to paying subscribers before making them broadly available. If you want early access, you will need one of the paid AI subscription tiers.

Google Alerts Evolved

Google Alerts launched in 2003. For 23 years, it has been the go-to tool for monitoring topics online. You set up an alert, and Google emails you when new content matches your keywords.

Information agents represent the next generation of that concept. The difference is intelligence. Google Alerts sends you links that match keywords. Information agents understand context, synthesize sources, and explain relevance. They do not just find information. They process it.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are Google's information agents available?

Google said information agents launch this summer. They will roll out first to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S., then expand to additional markets.

Are Google's AI agents free to use?

No. Google is launching information agents for paid AI subscribers first. You will need a Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription for early access.

How are information agents different from Google Alerts?

Google Alerts sends email notifications with links matching your keywords. Information agents synthesize content from multiple sources, explain why something matters, compare perspectives, and deliver insights through push notifications.

What can I track with Google information agents?

Google highlighted stock prices, flight deals, sports updates, breaking news, housing trends, job market changes, weather, and traffic. Any topic you could search for can become an ongoing agent.

How do I create an information agent?

Open AI Mode in Google Search and enter a prompt describing what you want to track. For example: "Keep me updated on flight prices to Tokyo in August." The agent starts monitoring and sends push notifications when relevant information appears.

Source: TechCrunch / Lauren Forristal