Google brings buy buttons to Gemini and AI search

Google announced plans to integrate direct purchasing capabilities, or "buy buttons," into Gemini and its AI-powered Search experience, positioning itself in the growing AI shopping competition against rivals like OpenAI and Amazon. To facilitate this, Google, in partnership with major retailers including Shopify, Walmart, and Target, has developed the open-source Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP). This protocol aims to standardize communication between AI agents and retailers' systems for the entire shopping journey, from discovery to post-purchase support. The UCP will power a forthcoming checkout feature, allowing users to complete transactions directly within the AI tools. Furthermore, Google is launching a business agent on Search that lets shoppers chat directly with brand virtual assistants. The UCP has already gained endorsement from over 20 companies, including Visa, PayPal, and major retailers, despite the technology still needing to prove its reliability in real-world use.

(Source：The Verge)