Google’s new Universal Cart wants to follow you across the entire internet

At its recent I/O event, Google unveiled Universal Cart, an innovative platform designed to streamline online shopping by consolidating all your purchases in one convenient location. Alongside this, the tech giant introduced updates to its Agent Payments Protocol (AP2), which will soon empower users to authorize AI agents to handle transactions on their behalf. This development marks a significant shift in how Google envisions the role of AI assistants, transforming them from simple recommendation tools into proactive participants in the e-commerce landscape. With Universal Cart, consumers can seamlessly add products from various Google platforms—whether they're searching on Google, interacting with the Gemini app, watching YouTube, or checking emails in Gmail. Once items are in the Universal Cart, the system diligently monitors deals, tracks price drops, and provides users with insights on price history, ensuring they never miss a bargain. This feature leverages Google's understanding that shoppers often browse across multiple devices and retailers over several days. For those venturing into complex purchases, like building a custom PC, the cart utilizes AI to flag compatibility concerns and suggest alternatives, enhancing the shopping experience. Additionally, frequent travelers can benefit from hidden savings and optimized reward points, thanks to the integration with Google Wallet. Universal Cart is set to launch in the U.S. and will soon be available in the Gemini app, with future expansions to YouTube and Gmail on the horizon. Furthermore, Google is broadening the reach of its Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), which will now encompass more categories, including hospitality and local food delivery, with plans to extend its availability to Canada, Australia, and the U.K. A critical development for the commerce sector is the introduction of AP2, which allows AI agents to securely conduct transactions within specified parameters. Users can set preferences for brands, products, and spending limits, enabling agents to make purchases autonomously under established guidelines. This integration will give Google unparalleled insight into consumer behavior, a shift that retailers and payment processors are likely to monitor closely. Behind the scenes, AP2 ensures a secure connection between users, merchants, and payment processors, with robust encryption safeguarding personal data. The protocol also maintains a transparent record, ensuring that agents operate solely on the user's behalf and providing a permanent audit trail for any future disputes or returns.