The update combines Gemini's conversational AI with Google's Shopping Graph, allowing users to search for products using natural language while receiving curated recommendations, comparison tables, pricing information and links to retailers within a single interface.
Shopping upgrade
Rather than navigating multiple websites or manually comparing products, users can simply describe what they are looking for in everyday language, similar to asking a friend for shopping advice.
Gemini then generates tailored responses based on the user's needs, complete with product images, reviews, prices, inventory information and places to buy.
The new shopping experience is intended to streamline common purchasing decisions, from finding birthday gifts and comparing running shoes to choosing luggage or fashion items.
Rich comparisons
Google said the AI-generated responses are customized according to the shopping request.
For example, users searching for gift ideas based on a budget can receive visual product carousels featuring shoppable listings. Those comparing products, such as travel bags or luggage, will see side-by-side comparison tables highlighting specifications like dimensions, weight and other key features.
The goal is to reduce the time consumers spend switching between websites while making it easier to evaluate multiple options before making a purchase.
Shopping graph
The feature is powered by Google's Shopping Graph, which the company said contains more than 60 billion product listings. About two billion listings are updated every hour, enabling Gemini to surface current prices, product availability and merchant information.
By integrating the Shopping Graph directly into Gemini, Google aims to provide users with accurate and up-to-date shopping information while expanding the practical uses of generative AI beyond content creation and search.
The enhancement also reflects Google's broader strategy of embedding AI across its consumer services, positioning Gemini as a digital assistant capable of supporting everyday tasks ranging from information retrieval and trip planning to online shopping. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
