These updates represent perhaps the largest change to Google’s search feature just weeks ago. Today, shoppers can ask shopping questions in natural language using an all-new AI Mode. In doing so, this brand new capability shatters the previously limited search experience. Rather, it required users to search for answers via a traditional FAQ-style interface – until now!
The AI Mode is fueled by Google’s huge Shopping Graph, which has more than 50 billion product listings. Every hour, we update two billion of these records. Overall, this ongoing process helps ensure that our inventory information is as accurate and up-to-date as possible for all users. By tapping into this powerful database, Google is trying to cut down the shopping experience to be more seamless and convenient, catering more to the user experience.
Which is why the rollout of conversational shopping is such a key development for Google Search. Users can now interact with the platform in a more natural way, asking questions and receiving tailored responses that cater to their shopping needs. This change will have a monumental impact on the online shopping experience. It takes us away from the old way of searching to being able to have more of a conversational back and forth.
Not only have there been new developments in Google Search regarding these updates. Google is making change to its Gemini app as well. One notable aspect is the agentic checkout. It leverages Google’s reliable Shopping Graph and Google Pay to help keep transactions safe. This is a new feature to help brand and cart users streamline their checkout process, making it selling experience easier and more effective.
Additionally, Google has created a novel AI-powered assistant that makes phone calls to local stores to query them about product availability. Before placing such calls, Google will require the user’s consent, maintaining privacy and allowing the user to control their experience with the interaction. After a product has been found, Google will require users to verify their payment and delivery information before moving forward.
The addition of sponsored listings to Google’s new AI Mode will give retailers’ products new exposure, too. This new feature is intended to help customers surface promotions and special offers that are applicable to their search queries.
The rollout of these new features is occurring currently in the U.S. It focuses on three categories—toys, health and beauty products, and electronics. By focusing on these areas, Google aims to improve the shopping experience for consumers who shop in these diverse, high-potential categories.
“We feel it really shouldn’t be so tedious, and shopping should feel — and can feel — a lot more natural and easy,” said Vidhya Srinivasan, VP and GM of ads and commerce at Google. This is a testament to the company’s goal of transforming online shopping into a simpler and more enjoyable experience through cutting-edge technology.
Lilian Rincon, VP of product management for Google Shopping, added, “This is helpful for shoppers, because they don’t have to constantly check to see if the item they want is on sale. It’s great for retailers because it brings back the customer who might otherwise have moved on.” This statement underscores the dual benefits of the new features: they not only enhance the consumer experience but help retailers retain customers.
