Google has announced significant updates to its AI Mode, enhancing user experience in both shopping and travel planning. The latest iteration introduces "agentic AI" capabilities within AI Mode, allowing it to proactively assist users in checking product stock at nearby stores.
This feature enables users to describe their desired items in natural language, such as: "I forgot to pack my prescription sunglasses, so I’m trying to find a pair of clip-on polarized ones that fit over my current glasses. Where can I get some nearby?" Google's AI will then make calls on behalf of the user to local stores and provide the details afterward. This functionality, initially launched on Google Search last November, is rolling out to AI Mode in the United States in the coming weeks.
Beyond inventory checks, Google Search now offers the ability to track prices for individual hotels directly. On desktop, users can achieve this by searching for a hotel by name and tapping the new price-tracking toggle. On mobile, the option is found under the "Prices" tab after a search. Once configured, users will receive an email alert if the hotel price changes during their selected dates.
Google also shared insights into trending international and domestic destinations for summer 2026, including St. Maarten, Stockholm, Kansas City, Missouri, and Sarasota, Florida. Furthermore, search interest in "AI travel assistant" and "AI concierge" has surged by 350% over the past year. Queries like "how to use AI to find flight deals" have also become trending, with interest in "AI flight booking" jumping by 315%. These trends highlight a rapidly growing user demand for AI applications in travel planning.