Google bets on AI agents to handle your shopping
google unveiled a 'universal cart' and new gemini-powered agents that track prices, check compatibility, and checkout across retailers like target and walmart.
google is advancing its ai-driven commerce strategy with a 'universal cart' that aggregates products from sources like search and gmail into a single checkout interface powered by gemini. the system includes proactive features such as price-drop alerts, stock notifications, and technical compatibility warnings, aiming to act as a personal shopper for users. retailers like sephora and target are onboard, but the shift to 'agentic' shopping raises concerns about reduced direct traffic to merchant websites. this initiative expands on previous tools like ai-powered calls to physical stores and reflects google's effort to monetize ai agents beyond search ads.