Just ahead of peak shopping season, Google has released a number of handy AI updates to help you find the perfect gifts at the best prices online, although some features might only be available in the US at this point. Here’s a rundown of what’s new:
- Shop in AI mode: This latest upgrade allows you to search in a conversational way, like you’d say it to a friend, and Google will provide the goods. Think visuals, prices, reviews and even whether the item’s in stock, without the need to filter your results or try to come up with the correct variant of keyword to find exactly what you’re looking for. Results types are also tailored to the search, so it could be shopping images if you’ve asked for inspiration, or comparison tables if you are weighing up different products.
- Shop in the Gemini App: Go straight from brainstorming gifts to browsing with help from the Gemini App, with comparison tables to help decide between different products and real shopping results right within your chat, instead of just the usual text-based answers.
- Agentic AI’s call feature: If you’ve found the perfect gift but need to find it in-store, you can ask Google to call around and find it for you. This AI feature will even find out if there are any promos or discounts! When you search for certain products with a ‘near me’ search, you’ll see an option to ‘Let Google Call’. AI will do the hard work, saving you time during the busy festive season, and Google will send you an email or text with the answer.
- Price tracking with agentic AI: If the gift at the top of your child’s Christmas list is looking a bit pricey, use Google’s new price tracking technology to let you know when the price falls within your budget. Google will even buy the product on your behalf (with your permission) using Google Pay!
