Google's Gemini AI will handle your shopping without the need to switch between websites and applications.
Google's Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) facilitates AI shopping through the Gemini app and AI mode, allowing users to checkout using Google Pay and log in to seller sites with a single click.
The latest trend in e-commerce is agentic shopping powered by AI. ChatGPT introduced a shopping experience in April of the previous year and later added a shopping research tool in November. Shortly after, Amazon launched conversational shopping features using its Alexa+ assistant, building on the earlier groundwork of the Rufus chatbot.
Recently, Microsoft also incorporated a shopping and checkout system into Copilot. Google has now entered the market with a wide range of partners to support shopping through Gemini and AI Overviews. The initial step in this initiative is the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), a new standard encompassing everything from product discovery and purchasing to after-sales support.
What does this entail?
Imagine searching for a "bag with a leather strap and a silver chain" on Google Search. When recommendations appear in AI Mode, you'll notice a buy button beneath the product listing. Clicking it will take you straight to the checkout window, where you can pay using Google Pay.
If you select a product but lack an account on the seller's platform, you can easily sign up using your Google Account with just one click. All your payment and shipping information will be retrieved from Google Wallet.
Moreover, the entire shopping journey will be managed within the Gemini app or AI mode on desktop, eliminating the need to open any separate app or website. Additionally, PayPal payments will also be enabled in the future.
What comes next?
Google's collaborations with e-commerce platforms and payment service providers are extensive. The company aims to provide the agentic shopping experience to users worldwide.
“UCP was developed in collaboration with industry leaders such as Shopify, Etsy, Wayfair, Target, and Walmart, and has the backing of over 20 others in the ecosystem, including Adyen, American Express, Best Buy, Flipkart, Macy’s Inc., Mastercard, Stripe, The Home Depot, Visa, and Zalando,” Google states.
Google is also working on integrating loyalty point rewards into this new shopping experience, accessible via Gemini on mobile and AI Mode in Google Search.
Nadeem is a technology and science journalist at Digital Trends.
Your GeForce RTX 50 SUPER upgrade might be delayed
A rumor suggests that NVIDIA has informed its AIB partners that the RTX 50 SUPER refresh is off the usual schedule, which is important if you're waiting for a VRAM enhancement instead of purchasing an RTX 5000 card now.
Talk about the RTX 50 SUPER delay is resurfacing, affecting anyone trying to decide on a GPU upgrade. According to rumors from Gazlog, NVIDIA has indefinitely postponed the GeForce RTX 5000 SUPER series, despite the ongoing scarcity and high prices of current RTX 5000 cards.
This has not been confirmed by NVIDIA. However, if the refresh is truly on hold, consider whether you can manage with current pricing and availability or if it’s better to wait longer.
Read more
This 27-inch QHD monitor reaches 610Hz for your fastest games
A new 27-inch QHD oxide LCD panel aims for a refresh rate of 610Hz, ideal for competitive gamers looking for ultra-smooth motion in critical moments.
A 610Hz QHD gaming monitor panel is compelling enough to catch even the most experienced PC gamers' attention. If delivered as promised, it could enhance motion clarity during crucial moments when you need to make quick flicks, tracks, and corrections.
What stands out is its combination of specifications; it’s a 27-inch 2560x1440 LCD panel that promises extreme speed without downgrading to 1080p resolution. This is significant for players who prefer the sharper visuals of 1440p while still competing.
Read more
Microsoft launches Copilot Checkout for seamless shopping and payment within chat
Copilot Checkout is now being rolled out in the US for Shopify, PayPal, and Stripe merchants.
Last year, OpenAI introduced an Instant Checkout feature in ChatGPT, allowing users to explore and purchase items without leaving the chat interface. Google soon followed with shoppable product listings in its Gemini app, and now Microsoft has unveiled a similar checkout experience for Copilot.
According to Microsoft, Copilot Checkout enables users to browse, compare, and buy products without exiting the chat window. The company has formed partnerships with Shopify, PayPal, and Stripe to facilitate this experience and assures a smooth onboarding process for businesses interested in participating.
Read more
Other articles
Google's Gemini AI will handle your shopping without the need to switch between websites and applications.
This innovative agentic shopping experience, available in Gemini and AI Overviews, will also feature the ease of loyalty point rewards, while it automatically retrieves shipping information from Google Wallet.
