Google unveils autonomous AI agent

Google's new AI agent, Gemini Spark, works around the clock to manage emails and documents, even when your devices are turned off.

Google has introduced Gemini Spark, a new personal AI agent unveiled at its Google I/O 2026 conference. This agent is designed to operate continuously, 24/7, to manage a user's digital life. Its initial capabilities include drafting emails, assembling various documents, and actively monitoring inboxes for important information. A key differentiator is its ability to function persistently in the background, even when a user's laptop is closed or their phone is locked. The roadmap for Gemini Spark also includes more advanced autonomous functions, such as making purchases on behalf of the user, which would represent a major leap in personal AI assistance.

The launch of Gemini Spark marks a strategic shift for Google, moving its AI assistant from a reactive tool that answers questions to a proactive agent that autonomously completes tasks. This development is part of a broader industry race to build powerful, independent AI systems. The announcement places Google in direct competition with Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Apple, all of which are pursuing similar agent-based AI technologies. For founders, developers, and IT teams, this trend points toward a future where AI agents could automate complex business workflows, manage customer communications, and integrate deeply into enterprise software stacks. The security implications of an agent that can eventually spend money will also be a critical area for teams to monitor.

Google is entering the autonomous AI agent race, aiming to create an assistant that proactively completes tasks, competing directly with OpenAI, Microsoft, and others. This signals a major shift in user-computer interaction.

The development of autonomous agents like Gemini Spark could lead to new levels of automation in business workflows, customer support, and personal productivity, creating opportunities for new services and integrations. It also raises new security considerations for IT and security teams.