Google Introduces Conversational Shopping and Ads in AI Mode Search

Google Introduces Conversational Shopping and Ads in AI Mode Search

Key Points

  • Google adds conversational shopping to AI Mode search powered by Gemini.
  • Users can ask detailed product questions and receive AI‑generated recommendations.
  • Some shopping results in AI Mode will be sponsored ads, mirroring traditional search.
  • The Gemini app will receive shopping features but currently shows no ads.
  • Agentic checkout alerts shoppers when a product meets a target price.
  • Automatic purchases can be authorized via Google Pay at select retailers.
  • The rollout begins in the United States ahead of the holiday shopping season.

Google is rolling out conversational shopping—and ads—in AI Mode search

AI Mode Shopping Features

Google announced that its AI Mode search will now support conversational shopping, allowing users to pose detailed queries about products and receive AI‑generated suggestions, guides, tables, and other content. The company says its extensive “Shopping Graph” and retailer data give the Gemini‑driven AI a unique ability to provide useful recommendations. The feature is being rolled out to users in the United States over the coming weeks, positioning the AI to assist shoppers throughout the holiday buying period.

Sponsored Content and Ads

Google confirmed that some of the shopping results presented in AI Mode will be sponsored, similar to ads that appear in traditional search. While the Gemini app will also receive the new shopping features, Google stated that the app’s results will not include sponsored content for the time being. This approach ensures that advertisers can reach shoppers within the AI‑driven experience, while the app remains ad‑free during the initial phase.

Agentic Checkout

Alongside the conversational shopping launch, Google introduced a feature dubbed “agentic checkout.” Users can set a price threshold for a product, and the AI will notify them when the item reaches that price. After receiving an alert, shoppers can authorize an automatic purchase using Google Pay. Currently, the feature supports a limited set of retailers, including Chewy, Wayfair, and certain Shopify merchants.

Rollout and Availability

The new shopping capabilities are slated to appear for U.S. users in the next few weeks, aligning with the upcoming holiday season. Google’s rollout strategy builds on previous announcements made at its I/O conference, where the company outlined its intent to integrate generative AI into the shopping experience. By combining conversational queries, sponsored content, and the agentic checkout option, Google aims to make online shopping more convenient while also creating new revenue opportunities through ads.

Source: arstechnica.com