What are Managed Agents?

At Google I/O 2026, Google introduced Managed Agents — a new capability within the Gemini API. Developers can launch an AI agent with a single API request that runs in an isolated Linux environment [citation:3].

Key Features

  • One-Command Launch: Single API request starts an agent [citation:3]
  • Isolated Linux Environment: Secure sandboxed execution
  • Persistent Storage: Compiled files, memory logs, and project state persist even after closing [citation:3]
  • Resume Capability: Return to agent sessions and pick up where you left off
  • State Management: Full state preservation across sessions

Technical Details

When you close a Managed Agent session, everything persists — compiled files, memory logs, and project state remain available. When you return, the agent resumes exactly where it left off [citation:3].

Use Cases

  • Long-running agent workflows
  • Batch processing and automation
  • Development and testing environments
  • Research and experimentation
  • Enterprise agent deployment

Pricing

Available via Gemini API — pricing based on usage.

Pros

  • One command to launch agents
  • Persistent state across sessions
  • Isolated secure environment
  • Resume capability for long-running tasks
  • Simple API integration

Cons

  • Requires Gemini API access
  • Pricing may add up for continuous agents
  • Environment limitations may apply
  • New feature with growing documentation

Who Should Use It?

Perfect for: Developers building agent applications, teams deploying long-running agents, and enterprises needing persistent agent state.

Verdict

Managed Agents dramatically simplify agent deployment — one API request is all it takes. The persistent state across sessions is particularly valuable for long-running workflows [citation:3].

Rating: 4.5/5 - Agent deployment simplified.