The AI revolution shows no signs of slowing down, and today Google is announcing some new features that, just a few years ago, would have seemed like sci-fi.
First, Google’s Agent AI can now call stores on your behalf and ask what’s in stock. It is available when you search for some products near you in Google search. When you see the “Let Google Call” option, tap “Get Started” and you’ll get a few questions tailored to what you’re purchasing.
Google’s AI then calls nearby stores to see if they have what you’re looking for in stock, how much it costs, and whether there are any special offers. You’ll receive an email or text with the answers and local inventory from other stores nearby. It is now being implemented in search categories such as toys, health and beauty, and electronics in the US.
Google’s AI can now even buy things for you, thanks to Agentic Checkout. If you track the price of an item in Google Search, you can select the exact item, including size, color, and amount you want to spend, and you’ll get a notification when the price reaches your budget. You can then have Google purchase the item for you using Google Pay.
This only works with qualified merchants and Google will first ask for your permission, and will only make the purchase after you confirm that you want to make the purchase. Agentic Checkout is now rolling out in Search in the US, including AI mode.
Speaking of AI mode, it now lets you “describe what you’re looking for just like you would a friend” and then gives you an intelligently organized response with rich visuals and important details like price, reviews, and inventory information. Google says AI mode responses are “tailored to your specific question and formatted to your needs”.
Finally, you can now use shopping features in the Gemini app in the US. Gemini will help you with ideas for holiday shopping, providing “helpful shopping ideas,” “shoppable product listings, comparison tables, prices on the web, and places to buy,” everything inside the Gemini app.
