Google’s AI Shops for You: Conversational Search & Agentic Checkout
▼ Summary
– Google is launching new AI shopping tools including conversational search, Gemini app features, agentic checkout, and an AI that calls local stores to check product availability.
– The conversational shopping feature in AI Mode provides tailored responses with images, prices, reviews, and inventory details using Google’s Shopping Graph with billions of updated listings.
– Agentic checkout in Google Search allows users to track prices and have Google purchase items automatically using Google Pay, with permission, for merchants like Wayfair and Chewy.
– An AI feature built on Duplex technology can call local U.S. stores to inquire about product availability, pricing, and promotions, with retailers able to opt out of these calls.
– These updates aim to make online shopping more natural and less tedious by focusing on fun aspects like browsing while automating tedious tasks, with some features currently limited to the U.S.
Google is introducing a powerful set of AI shopping innovations designed to transform the online buying experience just in time for the holiday rush. These new capabilities, announced this week, include conversational shopping directly in Google Search, enhanced features within the Gemini app, an automated agentic checkout process, and even an AI assistant that can telephone local stores to check product availability for you.
Company executives explained that the goal is to eliminate much of the tedious work involved in online shopping. Vidhya Srinivasan, Google’s Vice President and General Manager for Ads and Commerce, emphasized that the process should feel more natural and effortless. The vision is to preserve the enjoyable aspects of shopping, such as browsing and spontaneous discovery, while removing the difficult and time-consuming parts.
A significant update enables users to ask shopping-related questions using AI Mode, the company’s conversational search feature. This allows for natural language queries in a chat-based format. The AI provides tailored responses, which can include product images for visual inspiration alongside crucial details like price, customer reviews, and current inventory levels. For instance, a search for cozy autumn sweaters would show photos of available options, while comparing skincare items might generate a detailed comparison table.
This AI Mode is powered by Google’s extensive Shopping Graph, a database containing over 50 billion product listings. With 2 billion of these listings refreshed every hour, the inventory information presented to shoppers is typically very current.
Another enhancement supercharges the Gemini app. Instead of offering simple text suggestions, it now generates fully developed ideas in response to shopping queries. This feature is currently available exclusively to users in the United States.
While consumers using AI Mode will encounter sponsored listings, Google confirmed that these ads are not yet appearing in the experimental phase within the Gemini mobile app.
A particularly groundbreaking development is the launch of agentic checkout within Google Search for U.S. shoppers. This feature, which also works in AI Mode, is initially compatible with merchants such as Wayfair, Chewy, Quince, and a selection of Shopify stores.
The agentic checkout process is straightforward. You can start by tracking an item’s price and requesting a notification if it drops into your desired budget range. When the price is right, you can authorize Google to complete the purchase for you on the merchant’s site using your Google Pay information. The company stresses that it will always request your explicit permission first, requiring you to confirm both the purchase and your shipping details before proceeding.
Lilian Rincon, VP of Product Management for Google Shopping, highlighted the dual benefits. For shoppers, it removes the need to constantly monitor for sales. For retailers, it helps recapture the interest of customers who might otherwise have given up. She also reassured users that agentic checkout is built on Google’s trusted Shopping Graph and secure Google Pay infrastructure, ensuring accurate results and payment safety.
In another impressive use of automation, a new AI feature can make phone calls to local businesses on your behalf. This tool, built on Google’s established Duplex technology, along with its Shopping Graph and payments systems, can inquire about a product’s availability, price, and any ongoing promotions.
After you provide details about the item you’re seeking, the AI calls nearby stores, asks the necessary questions, and then reports back with a summary of its findings. This service is now rolling out in the U.S. for specific product categories, including toys, health and beauty items, and electronics. To use it, search for a product “near me” and select the “Let Google Call” option; the AI will then guide you through a few questions about your search.
Google is taking steps to ensure a positive experience for the merchants receiving these calls. The system is designed not to call too frequently and to be transparent in its questioning. Store owners can also choose to opt out of receiving such calls. For those who do not opt out, the AI will immediately identify itself as calling on a customer’s behalf and will only proceed with its questions after receiving consent from the person who answers the phone.
During a recent press briefing, Google executives intended to demonstrate this calling technology live. However, technical Wi-Fi difficulties on their end unfortunately prevented the full demo from being completed.
(Source: TechCrunch)
