Google Search undergoing a total overhaul, prioritising AI in search results

KOMPAS.com - Google has begun revamping the Google Search search box for the first time in more than 25 years. The change was announced at Google I/O 2026, held on Tuesday 20 May 2026 at Google’s headquarters. The change is described as one of the biggest transformations of Google Search since its initial launch in the late 1990s. The Google search box, which has long been associated with a simple design, is now made longer and more “intelligent” to support AI-based search. Google calls this new design the “Intelligent Search Box”. In other words, users can now search for information in a way that resembles talking to an AI chatbot such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. For example, users can upload a photo and then ask Google to explain the content of the image, search for locations, compare products, and even create a summary of documents without having to type keywords manually. Google also extends the integration of this search box with its AI model Gemini 3.5 Flash. Google’s VP Search, Elizabeth Reid, said the update represents a major evolution to align with how modern users search for information. “This is the biggest upgrade to our iconic search box since its debut more than 25 years ago,” Reid told KompasTekno, citing Tech Crunch. According to TechCrunch, the change also marks a major shift of Google Search from merely a search engine to an AI-based “answer engine.” Google now wants users not only to find website links but to directly obtain answers, recommendations, and even automated actions from AI. Therefore, Google is beginning to reduce the dominance of the classic “10 blue links” that have long been a hallmark of Search. Google also introduces the “Search Live” feature, which enables users to engage in two-way conversations directly with Google Search.