Google Takes Agentic Shopping to New Heights with Universal Commerce Protocol
In a move that is set to revolutionize the way consumers shop online, Google has launched an open standard for agentic commerce called the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP). This framework combines the power of AI agents and online shopping platforms to help customers make more purchases. The UCP aims to push the limits of consumerism by providing a seamless shopping experience that spans multiple platforms.
At its core, the UCP offers three key features designed to enhance the shopping experience for both consumers and merchants. First, Google's AI mode will introduce a new checkout feature that allows customers to buy eligible products from participating US retailers directly within Google Search. This feature is set to expand beyond Google Pay, incorporating PayPal compatibility and additional capabilities such as related product discovery and loyalty points redemption.
On the merchant side, Google has established the Business Agent feature, a virtual sales associate that can answer product questions in a brand's voice. The Business Agent will launch tomorrow with select early adopters including Lowe's, Michaels, Poshmark, Reebok, and more. This innovative approach aims to provide customers with personalized product recommendations and support.
For retailers, the UCP introduces the Direct Offers feature, which enables companies advertising on Google to present exclusive offers directly in AI Mode. This feature is designed to be used in tandem with targeted ads being tested by Google. The ultimate goal of the UCP is to make online shopping more accessible, convenient, and engaging for consumers.
Industry leaders have joined forces to co-develop the UCP, including Shopify, Etsy, and Walmart. Additional endorsements from prominent companies such as Macy's, Stripe, Visa, and others demonstrate the wide-ranging support for this initiative. With its open-standard approach, the UCP aims to facilitate seamless communication between Google, retailers, and payment processors, ultimately enhancing the online shopping experience.
As consumers become increasingly tech-savvy, agentic shopping β which combines AI-driven recommendations with personalized offers β is set to become the norm. The launch of the Universal Commerce Protocol represents a significant milestone in this journey, positioning Google at the forefront of innovation in e-commerce.
In a move that is set to revolutionize the way consumers shop online, Google has launched an open standard for agentic commerce called the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP). This framework combines the power of AI agents and online shopping platforms to help customers make more purchases. The UCP aims to push the limits of consumerism by providing a seamless shopping experience that spans multiple platforms.
At its core, the UCP offers three key features designed to enhance the shopping experience for both consumers and merchants. First, Google's AI mode will introduce a new checkout feature that allows customers to buy eligible products from participating US retailers directly within Google Search. This feature is set to expand beyond Google Pay, incorporating PayPal compatibility and additional capabilities such as related product discovery and loyalty points redemption.
On the merchant side, Google has established the Business Agent feature, a virtual sales associate that can answer product questions in a brand's voice. The Business Agent will launch tomorrow with select early adopters including Lowe's, Michaels, Poshmark, Reebok, and more. This innovative approach aims to provide customers with personalized product recommendations and support.
For retailers, the UCP introduces the Direct Offers feature, which enables companies advertising on Google to present exclusive offers directly in AI Mode. This feature is designed to be used in tandem with targeted ads being tested by Google. The ultimate goal of the UCP is to make online shopping more accessible, convenient, and engaging for consumers.
Industry leaders have joined forces to co-develop the UCP, including Shopify, Etsy, and Walmart. Additional endorsements from prominent companies such as Macy's, Stripe, Visa, and others demonstrate the wide-ranging support for this initiative. With its open-standard approach, the UCP aims to facilitate seamless communication between Google, retailers, and payment processors, ultimately enhancing the online shopping experience.
As consumers become increasingly tech-savvy, agentic shopping β which combines AI-driven recommendations with personalized offers β is set to become the norm. The launch of the Universal Commerce Protocol represents a significant milestone in this journey, positioning Google at the forefront of innovation in e-commerce.