Gemini app and AI Mode adding product checkout, Google Search getting ‘Business Agent’

Google is embracing “agentic shopping” wherein users can easily make purchases through the Gemini app and AI Mode.

UCP establishes a common language for agents and systems to operate together across consumer surfaces, businesses, and payment providers. So instead of requiring unique connections for every individual agent, UCP enables all agents to interact easily.

Google today launched the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) as an “open standard for agentic commerce.” It covers product discovery, purchasing, and support.

UCP was co-developed with industry leaders including Shopify, Etsy, Wayfair, and Target, and endorsed by more than 20 others across the ecosystem like Adyen, American Express, Best Buy, Flipkart, Macy’s, Mastercard, Stripe, The Home Depot, Visa, and Zalando.

Google will use UCP in the Gemini app and AI Mode for a new checkout feature. If the response features an eligible Google product listing (from a US retailer), tapping “Buy” starts the process. This might include creating an account with the store and then being taken to Checkout. The final Review your order page will be pre-filled with payment methods (Google Pay) and shipping info (Google Wallet). Purchasing with PayPal is coming soon.