May 20, 2026 12:28:00

Google announces AI agent 'Gemini Spark,' which runs 24/7 in the background using virtual machines on Google Cloud.

At

Google I/O 2026 , held on May 19, 2026, Google announced Gemini Spark , a personal AI agent platform that runs continuously in the background 24/7. Gemini Spark was developed as Google's own countermeasure against the AI agent framework OpenClaw, and it autonomously processes tasks using virtual machines in the cloud, even when smartphones and PCs are turned off.

Gemini Spark – Your 24/7 personal AI agent for productivity
https://gemini.google/overview/agent/spark/

Google is launching its own version of OpenClaw | The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/tech/932996/google-gemini-spark-antigravity-io-2026

Gemini Spark is based on Gemini 3.5 Flash, the latest AI model also announced at Google I/O 2026.

Google announces the 'Gemini 3.5' series, starting with the lightweight 'Gemini 3.5 Flash' - GIGAZINE

Gemini Spark is a system that executes user-specified tasks using virtual machines on Google Cloud. Unlike traditional chatbots that wait for user instructions before responding, Gemini Spark differs in that it can proactively execute multi-step tasks. No programming knowledge is required, and complex automation settings can be configured through conversations using everyday language.

The system is designed so that all operations and connection selections are performed under the user's direction, and a mechanism is in place to prompt the user for confirmation before executing any important actions. Users can monitor progress in real time or leave the process entirely to the background.

The core functionality is comprised of three elements: Tasks, Skills, and Schedules. The Tasks function connects with applications, the Skills function defines how to handle frequently occurring tasks, and the Schedules function sets up automatic execution triggers based on time and conditions.

Gemini Spark can be used to, for example, monitor your subscriptions in your Gmail inbox to summarize important weekly topics in seconds, or sift through cluttered emails to plan trips and record receipts in a spreadsheet. You can also analyze invoices to predict what items are needed for home maintenance, add recurring reminders to Google Calendar, and update your supplies list in Google Keep.

In terms of integration, it connects with Google Workspace apps such as Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Furthermore, by introducing the open standard

Model Context Protocol (MCP), it expands integration with external systems and can connect data with third-party apps such as Canva, OpenTable, and Instacart.

Gemini Spark is being rolled out gradually to trusted testers at the time of writing and is planned to be available to Google AI Ultra subscribers aged 18 and over in the United States. Google AI Ultra has been reduced in price from $250 (approximately 39,700 yen) per month to $200 (approximately 31,800 yen) per month, and in Japan, Google AI Ultra will be divided into two plans: 'Google AI Ultra 5x' at 14,500 yen per month and the top-tier plan 'Google AI Ultra 20x' at 32,000 yen per month.

Furthermore, in the summer of 2026, the ability to interact with local files via the macOS version of the Gemini app is planned. In addition, there are plans to implement features that allow direct interaction with Gemini Spark via text and email, similar to messaging apps, connectivity with Google Chrome, and the ability to check for live updates on a new user interface called Android Halo .

The keynote address from Google I/O 2026, where Gemini Spark was announced, can be viewed below.

Google I/O '26 Keynote - YouTube