Google augments AI shopping with conversational search, agentic checkout and an AI that calls stores for you

In anticipation of the holiday shopping rush, Google has introduced an exciting array of AI-driven shopping enhancements. Announced on Thursday, these features include conversational shopping capabilities within Google Search, innovative updates to the Gemini app, agentic checkout options, and an advanced AI tool that can directly contact local retailers to check product availability. Vidhya Srinivasan, Google’s Vice President and General Manager of Ads and Commerce, emphasized the aim of these updates is to streamline the online shopping journey, which can often feel laborious. "Shopping should be a more natural and enjoyable experience," she stated in a recent press briefing. "We want to preserve the delightful aspects, like browsing and discovering new items, while eliminating the tedious tasks." One standout feature allows users to engage in AI Mode, a conversational search interface that utilizes natural language queries. This interface provides tailored responses, complete with images, pricing, reviews, and inventory details. For example, if a user is searching for cozy sweaters in autumn shades, they will be presented with a visual selection. Conversely, for product comparisons, such as skincare items, results will be displayed in organized comparison tables. Powered by Google's extensive Shopping Graph—which boasts over 50 billion product listings—this AI Mode promises up-to-date inventory information, with 2 billion updates occurring every hour. Currently, this feature is limited to users in the United States. Additionally, the Gemini app will offer more comprehensive responses to shopping inquiries, moving beyond simple text suggestions. While sponsored listings will be visible to users in AI Mode, ads will not yet appear in the Gemini mobile application, as these features are still in the experimental phase. The new agentic checkout feature is now available in Google Search across the U.S., allowing users to streamline their purchases from partnered retailers like Wayfair, Chewy, Quince, and select Shopify stores. Shoppers can track price changes and authorize Google to make purchases on their behalf using Google Pay, ensuring confirmation of purchase and shipping details. Lilian Rincon, Google’s Vice President of Product Management for Shopping, highlighted the benefits of agentic checkout: "This feature helps consumers avoid the hassle of constantly monitoring prices, while also encouraging retailers to retain customers who might otherwise look elsewhere." Another innovative tool enables the AI to make calls to local businesses to inquire about product availability, pricing, and promotions. This feature, built on Google’s Duplex technology and Shopping Graph, aims to enhance user convenience. Users can initiate this by searching for items “near me” and selecting the “Let Google Call” option, guiding the AI through specific inquiries. Google is taking care to ensure that merchants are not overwhelmed by these calls, allowing them to opt out if desired. When an AI makes a call, it will first disclose its identity as an AI acting on behalf of a customer, proceeding only with consent. Although a live demonstration of these features was planned, technical difficulties prevented Google executives from showcasing the technology during the briefing. Nevertheless, the rollout of these AI shopping tools marks a significant advancement in the retail landscape, promising to enhance the shopping experience this holiday season.