Gemini Spark Goes Live - Google's Always-On AI Agent for Gmail, Docs, and Beyond

Google has officially launched Gemini Spark, a persistent AI agent that operates continuously in the background across users' digital workflows. Announced at Google I/O 2026, Spark runs on Google Cloud virtual machines and integrates with Workspace applications including Gmail, Docs, and Sheets, as well as third-party services such as Canva, OpenTable, and Instacart. During the demonstration, Google showed Spark drafting emails in the user's voice and automatically compiling live RSVP documents for events by processing information from both inboxes and group chats. The agent operates autonomously, requiring minimal user intervention whilst maintaining consistency with personal communication styles and preferences. Spark is positioned behind Google's new $100 per month AI Ultra tier, available initially only in the United States. Google has simultaneously reduced pricing for its highest tier from $250 to $200 monthly. Trusted testers gain access this week, with broader availability for US Google AI Ultra subscribers beginning next week. This launch represents Google's direct response to competing agent technologies from OpenAI's ChatGPT Agent and Anthropic's Claude computer-use capabilities. The development signals an industry-wide push towards always-on AI assistants that can operate independently across users' most personal digital spaces, including calendars, correspondence, and social interactions.