Google has officially launched its intelligent AI shopping cart, known as Universal Cart, just ahead of the Black Friday and holiday shopping seasons. Previewed initially at the company's I/O event in May, the tool is now rolling out in the United States across both the Gemini app and Google Search. According to The Verge, Universal Cart functions as a unified digital space where users can save products from multiple retailers while using different Google platforms, such as the Gemini app and Google Search AI Mode. Google also has future plans to integrate the cart feature with Gmail and YouTube, although a release timeline for those platforms has not yet been announced. The tool offers several features designed to streamline online shopping, including notifications for item restocks and price drops, as well as the discovery of relevant promotional codes. When purchasing items, users can choose to pay directly through Google Wallet or transfer their saved products to the merchant's own cart for a direct checkout. Furthermore, when used alongside Google Wallet, Universal Cart can analyze credit card perks to help users select the best payment method. This rollout arrives as competition heats up in the AI-assisted shopping space. Rivals including OpenAI and Meta have introduced agentic AI assistants designed to shop on behalf of users, while platforms like Shopify are opening up listings to allow more AI agents to browse and make purchases.
Google launches its ‘universal’ online shopping cart ahead of the holidays
Google is rolling out its Universal Cart tool in the US across the Gemini app and Google Search. Initially previewed at the I/O event in May, the AI-powered digital cart allows users to save products from multiple retailers in one space. The feature also includes notifications for price drops and restocks, promotional codes, and payment options via Google Wallet.
Why it matters
The launch highlights intensifying competition in the AI-assisted shopping market as major technology companies deploy agentic AI tools to manage online retail tasks. Rivals such as OpenAI and Meta are also developing AI assistants for online shopping.