With features like agentic checkout and AI-assisted product searches, Google is using its AI muscle to remove friction from online and local shopping experiences.
Shopping, the AI Way: From Search to Checkout
Just in time for the holiday rush, Google has unveiled a powerful suite of AI-driven shopping features aimed at transforming both the discovery and purchase experience online. From conversational product searches to automated store calls, the updates are designed to make shopping more intuitive, efficient, and delightful.
“Shopping should feel a lot more natural and easy,” said Vidhya Srinivasan, VP and GM of Ads and Commerce at Google. “We want to keep the fun parts, like browsing and discovery — and remove the tedious parts.”
Conversational Shopping with AI Mode in Search
Google is bringing chat-style product discovery to its flagship Search platform with AI Mode.
- Users can now ask natural-language shopping questions, such as:
- “Show me cozy sweaters in autumn colors”
- “Compare anti-aging skin care products under $50”
- AI Mode will return:
- Photos of relevant products
- Comparison tables when appropriate
- Details like price, reviews, availability, and inventory updates
These results are powered by Google’s Shopping Graph, which includes 50 billion+ listings, with 2 billion updated hourly.
Visual browsing meets AI logic—without the endless scrolling.
Gemini App Gets Smarter at Shopping Too
In addition to Search, Google’s Gemini app (available in the U.S.) is now able to provide expanded answers to shopping queries—going beyond links to deliver curated ideas and contextual suggestions based on product categories, price ranges, and even personal style cues.
Though ads are included in AI Mode on Search, they’re not yet shown in Gemini as the product remains experimental.
Agentic Checkout: Let Google Buy It for You
One of the most innovative additions is agentic checkout, now available in Google Search and AI Mode in the U.S.
How it works:
- Track a product and receive price drop alerts
- Once it hits your budget, let Google complete the purchase for you
- Confirm payment and shipping via Google Pay
Currently supported merchants include:
- Wayfair
- Chewy
- Quince
- Select Shopify stores
“You don’t have to constantly refresh or check back for sales. We’ll handle it,” explained Lilian Rincon, VP of Product for Google Shopping.
Duplex Returns: AI Can Call Stores for You
Borrowing from its Duplex voice assistant technology, Google now offers a feature that can call local stores to:
- Ask if a product is in stock
- Inquire about price and promotions
- Return a summarized response to the user
To use the feature:
- Search for a product with “near me”
- Tap “Let Google Call”
- Provide additional product details
- Get a recap from the AI after it calls stores on your behalf
Currently rolling out in the U.S., this feature is limited to categories like:
- Toys
- Health & beauty products
- Electronics
Google says the tool identifies itself as AI, only proceeds if the store agrees, and ensures merchants can opt out.
The Future of Shopping: Personalized, Automated, Effortless
With these additions, Google is making a clear bid to own the full shopping funnel:
- Search to discovery → AI Mode
- Inspiration to decision-making → Gemini app
- Transaction to completion → Agentic checkout
- Offline availability checks → Duplex-powered calls
It’s a seamless blend of natural conversation, real-time inventory, and automated purchasing designed to reduce friction and boost conversion.
