Trying Out Kiro's New Web Search Feature: Real-time Information Retrieval in Action

KiroのWeb検索機能を試してみた
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Introduction: What is Kiro's Web Search Feature?

Hello. This is Matsuura from the DX Solution Sales Division.

Starting with Kiro CLI v1.21.0 (released November 25, 2025), a feature allowing Kiro CLI to retrieve real-time information from the internet has been added. This allows you to search for the latest library versions, documentation, and solutions to technical issues directly within your development workflow without having to switch to a browser.

This time, I tested this feature by attempting to retrieve the latest information on the evolution from Amazon QuickSight to Amazon Quick Suite.

Reference - Official Announcement Content

According to the official AWS blog, it is described as follows:

The Kiro CLI changelog also states:

1. Putting it to the Test

Information Used for Verification

On October 9, 2025, AWS rebranded Amazon QuickSight as "Amazon Quick Suite," evolving it from a traditional BI service into a comprehensive analytical platform powered by generative AI. I will use this latest update to verify Kiro's web search capabilities.

Reference: Reimagining Business Intelligence: Amazon QuickSight evolves to Amazon Quick Suite (AWS Official Blog)

Test 1: Asking a question without Web Search (MCP enabled)

First, I asked a simple question: "Please tell me about Amazon Quick Suite."

As a result, Kiro determined that a service named "Amazon Quick Suite" did not exist and instead suggested known services like "Amazon QuickSight" or "Amazon Q Business." This happened because the information was newer than Kiro's training data/MCP updates, and web search was not triggered.

Test 2: Adding context to the result of Test 1

Next, I followed up by providing context: "I believe Amazon QuickSight became Quick Suite due to an update."

Kiro then demonstrated the following behaviors:

1. Autonomous Judgment: Even without being explicitly told to "Search the web," Kiro determined from the context that latest information was required.
2. Executing Web Search: It automatically performed a search with keywords like "Amazon QuickSight QuickSuite rename rebrand."
3. Information Gathering & Organization: It retrieved the latest info from official AWS blogs and documentation, presenting it in a structured format.
4. Deep Dive: Deciding that more detail was needed, it also fetched content from specific official documentation pages.

Test 3: Specifying Web Search from the start

Finally, in a new chat session, I asked: "Using web search, please tell me about Amazon Quick Suite."

In this case, Kiro used the web search feature from the very first response to gather information and provide an answer.

Verification Results

From these three tests, I found the following characteristics of Kiro's web search feature:

• Test 1 Result: For simple questions, Kiro relies on its training data without using web search. Even if latest info is needed, the search won't trigger if the necessity isn't clear from the prompt.
• Test 2 Result: By adding context, Kiro autonomously judges that "latest info is needed" and utilizes web search. It executes search appropriately based on the conversation flow even without explicit instructions.
• Test 3 Result: Explicitly instructing it to "Use web search" ensures the feature is activated. This is the most reliable method when you know you need the latest data.

These results confirm that while Kiro possesses strong contextual understanding, explicit instructions are effective when certainty is required.

2. Personal Impressions

The "Intelligence" of the Web Search Feature

I found it very convenient that Kiro understands context and autonomously executes web searches. Rather than needing a rigid "Search for X" command, it realizes "this information needs to be up-to-date" from the flow of conversation and searches at the right timing.

Kiro prioritized reliable sources like official documentation and AWS blogs. Furthermore, the retrieved information always included source URLs, which is great for source verification.

Concerns

On the other hand, if a simple question is asked without any context, Kiro may answer from its training data without triggering a search. This behavior carries the risk of proceeding with a project based on outdated information if the user lacks foundational knowledge.

As a countermeasure, when working on themes where your own knowledge is limited, it's effective to explicitly specify web search in your prompt. Using Steering to force the web search feature is also a valid option.

Impact on Development Efficiency

I felt that the web search feature provides the following efficiency gains compared to traditional methods:

Ideal Use Cases

This feature is particularly effective in scenarios such as:

• Checking latest library/framework info: Version updates or breaking changes.
• Searching for error message solutions: Latest bug fixes or workarounds.
• AWS service update info: Catching new features or pricing changes.
• Investigating tech trends: Gathering info on new technologies and best practices.

Summary: Web Search for Higher Efficiency

Kiro CLI's web search feature is not just a search tool; it functions as a smart assistant that understands context and autonomously retrieves information. In this test, it automatically searched, retrieved, and organized latest info on the evolution of Amazon QuickSight into Quick Suite without explicit instructions.

This feature eliminates the need for developers to bounce between a browser and their IDE, allowing access to the latest information without interrupting the development flow. It is exceptionally useful when working with services like AWS that are updated frequently.

However, since the search triggers based on context unless explicitly instructed, users should be mindful to explicitly request a web search in their prompt when they want to guarantee the most current data.

If you are already using Kiro, please take advantage of this web search feature and experience the boost in development efficiency for yourself!

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