tech
Google is rolling out conversational shopping—and ads—in AI Mode search
Conversational shopping is Google’s first big swing at monetizing AI Mode search.
TL;DR
- Google is integrating generative AI into its shopping experience through AI Mode search and updated Duplex.
- AI Mode will offer AI-generated suggestions, guides, and tables in response to complex shopping queries.
- Some content in AI Mode search results may be sponsored ads, though this is still in testing.
- Agentic checkout allows for automatic purchases via Google Pay once a price threshold is met and the item is added to the cart.
- The updated Duplex AI will allow users to ask it to call businesses to check product stock availability.
- Duplex calls will identify the AI as such, occur during business hours, and businesses can opt out.
- Both AI Mode shopping features and the updated Duplex are rolling out in the US.
- These features are intended to be widely available before the holiday shopping season.