Google reworks Search around Gemini-powered AI answers (opens in new tab)

Google announced at I/O 2026 that it is rebuilding Search around Gemini-powered AI answers, expanding the search box into conversational follow-ups, AI Mode and multimodal inputs. Several reports described the move as the largest rework of the search experience in more than 25 years, shifting more queries from link lists toward AI-generated responses. Reports focused on product expansion and effects on the web. KBC said Google is upgrading Search globally with Gemini 3.5 Flash as a default mo...