Google's Universal Cart centralizes shopping across Search, YouTube, and Gmail

During the Google I/O event on Tuesday, Google unveiled Universal Cart, an AI-driven shopping platform that enables users to compile products from Search, Gemini, YouTube, and Gmail into one cart. This cart not only tracks discounts and alerts users about price reductions but also notifies them when items become available again. Utilizing AI, it identifies compatibility issues, such as mismatches between processors and motherboards, and recommends alternatives. Built on Google Wallet, it reveals hidden savings for travelers. Universal Cart is launching in the U.S. today, with plans to integrate into the Gemini app this summer, followed by YouTube and Gmail. Additionally, Google announced the expansion of the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) to hotels and local food delivery, extending to Canada and Australia soon, and later to the U.K. Furthermore, the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2) was introduced, allowing AI agents to make payments for users within set limits, including spending caps and brand preferences. AP2 will be incorporated into Google products in the upcoming months, enhancing Google's insight into consumer purchasing behaviors. This protocol features encryption, secure digital records, and a permanent audit trail for returns or disputes. These developments highlight Google’s ambition to transform AI assistants into active players in online shopping, aiming to enhance its role in the consumer-merchant relationship.