tech
Google's new Universal Cart wants to follow you across the entire internet
The tech giant says it's aware that most people shop across multiple devices, many retailers, and over the course of many days, which is why it's launching Universal Cart.
TL;DR
- Universal Cart allows users to add products from any Google service into a single shopping hub.
- It tracks deals, monitors price drops, and alerts users about restocked items.
- AI can flag compatibility issues and suggest alternatives, particularly for complex purchases like PC builds.
- The feature leverages Google Wallet for potential savings and reward maximization.
- Google's Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) enables direct checkout or transfer to merchant sites.
- Universal Cart is rolling out in the U.S. and will expand to the Gemini app, YouTube, and Gmail.
- UCP is expanding to hotels and local food delivery, with international rollouts planned for Canada, Australia, and the U.K.
- Agent Payments Protocol (AP2) allows AI agents to make secure payments within user-set limits and parameters.
- AP2 creates a transparent and verifiable link between user, merchant, and payment processor, with encryption and audit trails.
- Google plans to integrate AP2 into its own products, increasing its commercial influence.