Google launches universal online shopping cart ahead of holidays, bringing AI shopping to Search
One cart across Google
Shoppers can find products through the Gemini app and Google Search AI Mode, then save them in a shared cart. Google plans to add Gmail and YouTube, but has not given a timeline.
Alerts and payment choices
The cart can notify users when saved items go on sale or return to stock. It can also show promotional codes it finds for those products. Users may pay with Google Wallet or transfer items to a retailer’s cart and complete checkout there. With Wallet, the tool can also compare perks from saved credit cards to help users select a payment method.
Competition in AI shopping
Google’s launch comes as companies push further into AI-assisted shopping. OpenAI and Meta have introduced agentic AI assistants that can shop online for users. Shopify has also said it is opening its platform so more AI agents can browse and buy products listed there. The companies are betting that AI will take on more of the work involved in online shopping.
Key points
- Universal Cart is rolling out in the US through Google Search and the Gemini app.
- Products from multiple retailers can be saved in one cart.
- The tool offers alerts for price drops and restocks, plus relevant promotional codes.
- Users can pay with Google Wallet or complete checkout through a retailer.