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Google launches Universal Cart to enhance online shopping experience with AI
May 19, 2026
AI Summary
Google has introduced Universal Cart, a centralized shopping feature that allows users to manage purchases across various platforms. The company also unveiled updates to its Agent Payments Protocol, enabling AI agents to make secure payments on behalf of users, which could reshape online commerce interactions.
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- Google launched Universal Cart, allowing users to add products from various Google services like Search, YouTube, and Gmail into one shopping cart. The feature tracks deals, price drops, and stock availability, enhancing the shopping experience across devices and retailers.
- The cart uses AI to assist users in making informed purchasing decisions, such as identifying compatibility issues when building custom PCs and suggesting alternatives.
- Universal Cart integrates with Google Wallet to help users maximize savings and rewards. It is currently rolling out in the U.S. and will be available in the Gemini app this summer, with plans for integration into YouTube and Gmail.
- Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) will expand to include more categories like hotels and food delivery, with plans to extend its availability to Canada, Australia, and the U.K. in the coming months.
- The Agent Payments Protocol (AP2) allows AI agents to make purchases on behalf of users within set parameters, such as brand preferences and spending limits. This protocol aims to provide a secure and transparent transaction process, including encryption and a permanent audit trail for accountability.
ecommercetechnologyuser experiencecross-deviceretail