Google added AI agents, a new search box and booking help to Search. Here is what changed and what a small business can do this week.
AppWT Informative Multi-Lingual System
Google has changed how its Search works. It added a new AI search box, a newer AI model in AI Mode, and agents that watch the web. It also added booking help for local services. This week, I suggest you check that your website clearly says what you do, where you do it, and how to book, so these tools can find you and share you.
What changed in Google Search
At its I/O 2026 event in May, Google said it made Gemini 3.5 Flash the default model in AI Mode for everyone, worldwide. A model is the AI "brain" that writes the answers. AI Mode is Google's chat-style search. Google says AI Mode has passed one billion monthly users.
Google also called the new search box its biggest upgrade in over 25 years. Here is what it does:
- It grows larger when people type long questions.
- People can search with words, photos, files or videos. They can even add open Chrome tabs.
- It suggests ways to finish a question, beyond normal autocomplete.
- People can ask a follow-up question from an AI Overview, which is the AI summary at the top of results, and move into AI Mode.
The Verge reports that people can still see traditional results only by picking the "Web" tab. Google also listed Gemini 3.5 Flash among its top I/O announcements.
Agents that keep watching
An agent is an AI tool that does tasks for a person. Google's first type is called an information agent. It runs in the background, 24 hours a day. It watches blogs, news sites and social posts for changes tied to a person's question. Then it sends an update with links.
Google said people can start one by adding "keep me updated" to a search. In June, 9to5Google reported these agents were rolling out to Google AI Ultra subscribers first, with AI Pro to follow that summer. It said phrases like "alert me when" also work.
This matters for you. If a customer asks an agent to watch for something you sell, your own posts are part of what it can read.
Booking and calls for local services
Google is expanding booking in Search to local experiences and services. The Daily Star reports that for home repair, beauty and pet care, Google can call businesses for the user. It says these booking tools were set for all U.S. users this summer. Lifehacker notes the customer still places the final order through a link.
Google also widened Personal Intelligence. This lets Search use a person's own Gmail and Google Photos, if they choose to turn it on. The sources do not agree on reach. The Daily Star says nearly 200 countries and territories. Lifehacker says more than 200 countries. Both say 98 languages.
Steps to take this week
- Check your basic facts. Make sure your site states your services, your area, your hours and how to book. Use plain words.
- Answer real questions. The new box invites long questions. Write short answers to the questions customers ask you most.
- Post updates where agents look. Agents read blogs, news and social posts. Share new services, events and changes, with clear dates.
- Prepare your phone line. If you work in home repair, beauty or pet care, tell staff a call may come from Google for a customer.
- Review Google's guide updates. The Search Central updates page lists recent changes. These include options to control what you share, such as the robots meta tag, data-nosnippet and the Search generative AI control. It also lists supported favicon formats, a new Search profile badge guide, and notes that aggregator and supplier units now support local business queries.
- Test it yourself. Ask AI Mode a question a customer would ask. See if your business shows up, and what it says.
How I can help
I offer AI Visibility Optimization, starting price $2,497/mo. AppWT has 600+ websites built. AppWT is based in Livonia, Michigan.
Have a question about anything here? Email me at sales@appwt.com or call (888) 565-0171, and I will answer it.
Sources
- A new era for AI Search, Google, 2026-05-19
- Google Search is getting its biggest changes ever, The Verge, 2026-05-19
- 100 things we announced at I/O 2026, Google, 2026-05-20
- Catch up on 12 major I/O 2026 moments, Google, 2026-05-28
- Google AI Mode starts rolling out Search agents that keep track of information for you, 9to5Google, 2026-06-12
- How is Google Search changing?, thedailystar.net
- Google's AI Mode Is Getting Gemini's Latest Model, au.lifehacker.com, 2026-05-19
- Latest Google Search Documentation Updates | Google Search Central | What's new | Google for Developers, Google Search Central
- AI Visibility Optimization at AppWT, AppWT
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AI Mode?
AI Mode is Google's chat-style search. Google says it has passed one billion monthly users, and it now runs on Gemini 3.5 Flash by default.
What is an information agent?
It is an AI tool in Search that watches blogs, news sites and social posts for you. It sends an update when something matches your question.
Can Google call my business for a customer?
Reports say Google can call some businesses, such as home repair, beauty and pet care, on a user's behalf. The customer still places the final order through a link.
Can people still see normal search results?
Yes. The Verge reports people can view traditional results only by picking the Web tab in Google Search.
Where can I see Google's latest guidance for site owners?
Google lists its recent documentation changes on the Search Central updates page. It covers options to control what you share and new local business features.
Enjoyed this article?
Share it with your network
