Google Integrates Seamless Shopping in Gemini App and AI Mode
In a significant advancement for online shopping, Google has introduced a seamless purchasing experience within its Gemini app and AI Mode. This development is part of Google’s broader initiative to enhance user interaction with e-commerce platforms through artificial intelligence.
Introduction of the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP)
Central to this innovation is the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), an open standard designed to streamline agentic commerce. UCP facilitates a unified language for agents and systems, enabling efficient interactions across consumer platforms, businesses, and payment providers. This eliminates the need for unique connections for each agent, promoting seamless integration.
Google collaborated with industry leaders such as Shopify, Etsy, Wayfair, and Target to develop UCP. The protocol has garnered endorsements from over 20 entities, including Adyen, American Express, Best Buy, Flipkart, Macy’s, Mastercard, Stripe, The Home Depot, Visa, and Zalando.
Seamless Checkout in Gemini App and AI Mode
Leveraging UCP, Google has introduced a new checkout feature within the Gemini app and AI Mode. When users encounter an eligible product listing from a U.S. retailer, a Buy button initiates the purchasing process. This streamlined experience may involve account creation with the retailer and culminates in a checkout page pre-filled with payment methods (Google Pay) and shipping information (Google Wallet). Integration with PayPal is forthcoming.
Retailers maintain their status as the seller of record and can customize the integration to meet specific requirements, thereby enhancing sales and reducing cart abandonment. Google plans to expand this feature globally in the coming months, incorporating functionalities such as discovering related products, applying loyalty rewards, and enabling custom shopping experiences.
Introduction of Direct Offers in AI Mode
In addition to the checkout feature, Google is testing Direct Offers within AI Mode. This feature allows advertisers to present exclusive deals to shoppers ready to make a purchase. In product listings, Direct Offers appear as Sponsored deals, providing users with special discounts and assisting retailers in closing sales.
Launch of Business Agent in Google Search
Google has also introduced Business Agent in Google Search, a virtual sales associate accessible via a Chat button when users search for participating retailers. This agent can answer product questions in the brand’s voice, enhancing customer engagement. Retailers such as Lowe’s, Michaels, Poshmark, and Reebok are among the initial participants, with plans to allow businesses to train the agent based on their specific needs in the near future.
Conclusion
Google’s integration of seamless shopping features within the Gemini app and AI Mode, supported by the Universal Commerce Protocol, marks a significant step in enhancing the online shopping experience. These developments aim to provide users with a more efficient and personalized purchasing journey while offering retailers innovative tools to engage customers and drive sales.
