Google I/O Conference All in AI: Gemini Model Launch, Search Box's Biggest Redesign in 25 Years, AI Glasses Return, Spark Intelligent Agent Debut

Eastern Time Tuesday the 19th, Alphabet's Google held an intensive release of AI updates at the annual developer conference Google I/O 2026, from redesigning Google Search, to launching Gemini Omni and 3.5 Flash models, as well as Gemini Spark intelligent agent, and publicly unveiling the new generation AI glasses for the first time. Google is attempting to embed AI into the entire internet entry system—search, Android, office, video, and even next-generation hardware.

Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed in the keynote speech that the monthly active users of the Gemini application doubled in a year to over 900 million; the "AI Overviews" feature in Google Search now has over 2.5 billion monthly active users; and the "AI Mode" users have exceeded 1 billion.

Pichai emphasized that AI is no longer just a chatbot, but the "next-generation computing platform." He stated at the conference: "AI is lighting up every part of the company."

At this conference, the Gemini Omni model, Gemini 3.5 Flash, the continuously executing Gemini Spark intelligent agent, and the redesigned AI subscription system display all show that Google is trying to upgrade Gemini from a chatbot to an "AI operating system" covering search, office, development, video, and mobile ecosystems.

The conference is also seen as a comprehensive counterattack by Google against competitors like OpenAI and Microsoft. Over the past year, as ChatGPT has changed user habits in search and content consumption, Google's traditional search business faced its biggest challenge since its inception, and the I/O conference clearly demonstrated its latest strategy: leveraging the world's largest internet traffic entry point to embed AI "natively" throughout the Google ecosystem.

Biggest overhaul in 25 years: search box becomes AI gateway

One of the core changes at this year's I/O is Google's thorough AI transformation of its search business.

According to reports, Google is redesigning its iconic search box to better handle longer, more complex questions posed by users to AI chatbots.

The new search box will:

Support more natural language input;

Make uploading images and files more convenient;

Automatically assist users in refining searches;

Support AI agents to continuously execute tasks.

Nick Fox, Google's Knowledge and Information Product Lead, said: "Users should be able to directly input any question in their mind into the search box."

Google also plans to add an Agent feature in search to help users: track topics of interest; book services; manage health information; create personalized task dashboards. Some of these features will be available only to paid subscribers.

Industry experts believe this indicates that Google Search is shifting from a traditional "link distributor" to an AI task entry point.

Google's most advanced multimodal model Gemini Omni debuts

One of the most significant updates at this conference is Google's launch of the new Gemini Omni model.

Multiple tech media outlets report that Gemini Omni is positioned as Google's most advanced multimodal AI system, capable of processing text, images, videos, speech, and real-time interaction tasks simultaneously.

Compared to previous Gemini series, the biggest change in Omni is:

Emphasizing real-time interaction;

Better suited for Agent (intelligent agent) scenarios;

Able to perform continuous tasks across applications and devices.

Industry analysts believe Google is directly competing with OpenAI's GPT-5 Agent system and Microsoft's progressing Copilot ecosystem through this.

Google executives repeatedly emphasized at the conference, "AI is not just answering questions, but actually getting work done." This shift indicates Google's AI strategy has moved from "chat assistant" to "task execution platform."

Gemini 3.5 Flash focuses on speed and low cost, with 3.5 Pro released in June

In addition to the flagship model, Google also launched Gemini 3.5 Flash.

According to information from I/O and Google developer pages, the Flash series is designed for low latency, high responsiveness, and lower inference costs, targeting developers; mobile devices; real-time interaction; AI programming; and automation scenarios.

As a lightweight new member of the Gemini models, Gemini 3.5 Flash possesses cutting-edge technical capabilities, priced at only half of similar frontier models, and in some cases even a third. Google announced that Gemini 3.5 Flash will become the default global model for Gemini App and the "AI Mode" in Google Search.

Google states that Gemini 3.5 Flash has enhanced network security protections, making it "less likely to generate harmful content and less prone to mistakenly reject safe queries."

Google also revealed that its more powerful version, Gemini 3.5 Pro, is currently for internal use, but will be available to a broader user base next month, in June.

Media outlets note that Google clearly recognizes that AI competition is no longer just about "who is the smartest," but about who is faster, cheaper, and more suitable for large-scale deployment.

In the era of Agents and real-time AI, latency and cost are rapidly becoming more critical.

Reports suggest that Gemini 3.5 Flash will become one of the key foundational models in Google's new AI subscription system.

Gemini Spark: Google officially bets on "AI intelligent agents"

Compared to model updates, more market attention is on Gemini Spark.

Google defines it as a "continuously running AI intelligent agent" capable of executing tasks in the background over the long term. Multiple media outlets describe this as one of the most strategically significant releases at this I/O.

According to Google's demonstration, Gemini Spark will be able to:

Automatically organize emails;

Monitor user schedules;

Track web information;

Manage documents;

Complete cross-application workflows;

And even represent users for some shopping and reservations.

Reports indicate that Google is promoting a concept of "always-on AI," where AI no longer waits for user commands but actively handles tasks.

Google Vice President Josh Woodward said, "Spark represents a major shift for Gemini." Industry experts believe this means the AI industry is moving from the "chatbot era" into the "agent era."

Previously, whether ChatGPT or Gemini, the essence was still "dialogue tools"; Spark is closer to a true digital assistant.

Google clearly aims to turn Gemini into an AI execution entry point at the internet layer through ecosystems like Gmail, Chrome, YouTube, Docs, and Android.

"We are entering the era of search agents"

Google executives stated at I/O: "We are entering the era of search agents." With Gemini 3.5, Google Search has achieved a performance leap, capable of executing complex tasks like planning travel itineraries through search.

Robby Stein, Vice President of Google Search, demonstrated Gemini's intelligent agent capabilities. He said, "We believe the best search experience should be one that truly serves you."

With the new "AI Overview" feature in Google Search, users will experience highly interactive searches—for example, exploring the mysteries of black holes in depth. For different search topics, the feature can even automatically generate corresponding animations and customized user interfaces.

Google Search now has the ability to execute large-scale tasks. It can automatically build mini apps for users, helping to efficiently handle large-scale tasks. A typical scenario is when a user wants to find inspiration for weekend family activities; Google Search can start from scratch and craft a detailed weekend activity plan.

Google and Samsung's AI glasses to launch this fall

Hardware is also a key theme of this year's I/O.

Google publicly showcased the new generation AI glasses for the first time, marking its return to the smart glasses market. Google announced that it has partnered with Samsung, as well as eyewear manufacturers Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, to launch smart glasses with Gemini assistant built-in. Google states these glasses will be compatible with Android and iOS devices and are expected to launch later this year.

Shahram Izadi, head of Android XR products and platforms, said: "These are just the first two designs in a larger series coming this fall." He pointed out that these glasses aim to provide information "privately whispering in the user's ear rather than displaying on a screen."

Samsung stated that the device will combine Android XR platform with Gemini AI capabilities to create an "intelligent wearable computing experience."

I/O showcased that these AI glasses can: translate in real-time; recognize surrounding environments; provide navigation; support voice interaction; and invoke Gemini intelligent agents.

Industry experts believe Google is trying to replicate the ecosystem advantage it gained with Android in the smartphone era by integrating AI Agents with AR devices, positioning itself ahead for the next computing platform.

Rebuilding AI subscription: launching a $100/month developer plan

Besides models, another major change at the conference is Google's redesign of its AI subscription system.

Google announced a new AI subscription plan for developers at $100 per month. The plan will offer:

Higher Gemini API call quotas;

Advanced AI Studio features;

Gemini Code Assist;

Google Cloud credits;

Higher Agent access levels.

Analysts believe this signals Google’s move to fully develop the developer commercialization market.

Previously, OpenAI and Anthropic had established early advantages in the enterprise and developer markets, while Google, despite its powerful models, was relatively slow in developing its developer ecosystem.

Now, Google clearly aims to regain ground through lower prices and more integrated tools.

AI Ultra monthly fee reduced from $250 to $200

Meanwhile, Google also adjusted its flagship AI subscription plan, AI Ultra.

Previously priced at $250 per month, Google announced it will lower the price to $200.

AI Ultra currently offers: access to the highest-tier Gemini models; Deep Think reasoning capabilities; advanced Agent features; AI video and image generation; AI programming; advanced NotebookLM features; and higher API and context limits.

Market analysts see this price adjustment as a sign that the AI subscription war is rapidly escalating.

Over the past year, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Pro; Anthropic enhanced Claude Max; Microsoft expanded Copilot enterprise subscriptions; and xAI is pushing Grok premium memberships. Google's price cut for Ultra aims to expand user base and also signals that large model competition is shifting from a "technology war" to a "price war."