Gemini App and AI Mode Adding Product Checkout, Google Search Getting ‘Business Agents’

Gemini App and AI Mode Adding Product Checkout, Google Search Getting ‘Business Agents’

Gemini App Adds AI-Powered Checkout—Here’s What It Means for Shoppers Google just made online shopping dramatically smarter—and faster. Starting January 2026, the Gemini app and AI Mode now support direct product checkout using a new open standard called the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP). If you’ve ever wished you could buy something just by asking your AI assistant, that future is now live. This update answers top user queries: Can I shop directly through Google’s AI? Is it secure? Which retailers are involved? The short answer: yes, yes, and many of the biggest names in retail. Credit: Google What Is the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP)? UCP is Google’s answer to fragmented digital shopping experiences. Developed alongside industry giants like Shopify, Etsy, Target, and Wayfair, this open standard creates a common language for AI agents, payment systems, and retailers to communicate seamlessly. Instead of building custom integrations for every store or service, UCP lets any complia…