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๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท France /Technology

Agentic AI, Unmatched Performance: Google Promises a Search Engine That Acts for You

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Google is transforming its search engine into a near-autonomous AI assistant with its new "agentic" AI capabilities.
  • The company unveiled Gemini 3.5 Flash, an AI model it claims is four times faster than competitors' leading models.
  • New features, including continuous AI agents in search and a universal shopping cart, will roll out to U.S. users this summer.

Google is making a bold leap forward, redefining the very concept of internet search with its new "agentic" artificial intelligence capabilities. At its annual conference, the tech giant showcased how its iconic search bar is evolving into a proactive, conversational AI assistant, powered by the latest iteration of its Gemini model. This strategic pivot signals Google's determination to reclaim its dominance in the AI race, especially after initial challenges keeping pace with rivals like ChatGPT.

The introduction of Gemini 3.5 Flash, touted as four times faster than competitors' cutting-edge models, underscores Google's commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI performance. With its Gemini AI app boasting 900 million monthly users and its AI Mode search surpassing a billion monthly users, Google is clearly leveraging its vast user base to accelerate AI adoption. The upcoming Gemini Spark, a personal AI agent for premium subscribers in the U.S., promises a more integrated and intuitive user experience, moving search from discrete queries to an ongoing dialogue.

I like this idea that search looks less and less like a series of individual queries and more and more like a permanent conversation, offering deeper insights.

โ€” Sundar PichaiGoogle's CEO describing the vision for the future of search as a continuous conversation powered by AI.

From our vantage point at Le Figaro, these advancements represent a significant technological evolution. The prospect of AI agents performing tasks like booking reservations or monitoring news on users' behalf, alongside features like a universal shopping cart that aggregates deals across platforms, points to a future where digital interaction is seamless and highly personalized. While Silicon Valley is abuzz with "agentic" AI, Google's deep integration into users' daily lives through search, Gmail, and YouTube positions it uniquely to capitalize on this trend.

However, as with any powerful new technology, concerns about security and the immense computational costs are valid. Google's aggressive push, despite these challenges, highlights the intense competition among tech giants. For users in the United States, these new features will begin rolling out this summer, marking a significant shift in how they interact with information and services online. This transformation is not just about faster AI; it's about creating a more intelligent, responsive, and proactive digital environment.

four times faster

โ€” GoogleDescribing the performance of its new Gemini 3.5 Flash AI model compared to competitors.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.