Google has taken a big step to make online shopping easier using artificial intelligence. The company has launched new AI-based shopping features that let users complete purchases without leaving Google Search.
Previously, AI could only help with product searches and comparisons, but users still had to visit separate websites to make payments.
What is Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP)?
The core of this new system is the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP). It is an open framework that manages the entire shopping process—from finding products to checkout
and post-purchase support. Google says UCP ensures that AI assistants, merchants, and payment services work smoothly together.
Collaboration with Major Brands
Google developed this system with major retail partners like Shopify, Wayfair, Target, and Walmart.
In the future, users will be able to checkout directly from product listings in Google Search’s AI Mode and the Gemini app. Currently, this feature is available in the US, and Google has not shared any details about its launch in India.
How the Checkout Experience Works
The UCP system is being used for Search AI Mode and the new checkout feature in the Gemini app.
US users can pay directly through Google Pay, with payment and delivery info automatically linked to Google Wallet. Google has also said that PayPal support will be added later.
Future Plans and Competition
Google plans to expand this system to more countries and add more retailers. It is also working on features like loyalty programs, smarter product recommendations, and personalized shopping experiences.
This move puts Google in direct competition with companies like Microsoft, OpenAI, and Perplexity. For example:
Microsoft Copilot allows in-chat purchases in the US, supporting PayPal, Stripe, and Shopify.
ChatGPT and Perplexity offer product search, comparison, guided shopping, and in-chat checkout.
