Google’s AI Search Adds Conversational Shopping and Ads
▼ Summary
– Google is rolling out generative AI shopping features in AI Mode search and integrating Gemini into Duplex technology for the holiday season.
– The AI Mode shopping feature will allow US users to ask complex shopping questions and receive generated suggestions, guides, and tables with disclaimers about potential inaccuracies.
– Sponsored content will appear in AI Mode shopping results, similar to traditional search, but the Gemini app will not include ads for now.
– Google is introducing “agentic checkout,” which enables automatic purchases via Google Pay when a product’s price drops below a user-set threshold.
– The automatic checkout feature is currently limited to a few retailers, including Chewy, Wayfair, and select Shopify merchants.
Google is now rolling out its promised generative AI shopping tools within Search, aiming to transform how users find and purchase products. These features, designed to arrive just in time for the holiday shopping rush, introduce a more conversational and interactive approach to online retail. The system leverages Google’s extensive Shopping Graph, a massive collection of retailer data, to provide personalized buying advice, product comparisons, and detailed guides directly within search results.
During its May I/O event, the company first outlined its vision for conversational shopping. Now, users in the United States can ask the AI complex questions about what to buy. In response, it generates suggestions, creates comparison tables, and offers other helpful content to support decision-making. As with all generative AI, the company includes disclaimers noting that the information provided may occasionally contain inaccuracies.
A significant aspect of this new shopping experience is the inclusion of advertising. Sponsored shopping content will appear within these AI-generated responses, similar to how ads are integrated into traditional search results. While the core Search experience will feature these ads, Google has stated that, for now, the Gemini app will not include sponsored content in its shopping results.
Another new feature is called “agentic checkout.” This allows users to set a specific price threshold for a desired item. Google will then monitor the price and send an alert if it drops to that level. What’s new is the AI component: after receiving the alert, users can authorize an automatic purchase through Google Pay. This automated buying feature is currently available only at a select group of retailers, including Chewy, Wayfair, and certain Shopify merchants. While the “agentic” label might seem ambitious, the functionality could offer a practical way for shoppers to secure deals without constant manual checking.
(Source: Ars Technica)
