Google has partnered with Walmart, Shopify, Wayfair, and other retailers to enhance its AI chatbot, Gemini, transforming it into a virtual shopping assistant. This upgrade allows customers to make purchases directly within the chat interface through an instant checkout feature, streamlining the shopping process. Announced at the National Retail Federation’s annual convention, this partnership emphasizes AI’s growing role in e-commerce and how it affects consumer behavior. Users can ask for product recommendations—like ski gear—and the chatbot will provide options from participating retailers like Walmart, integrating past purchase data for personalized suggestions. Initially available to U.S. users, the service will gradually expand internationally, supporting various payment methods. As tech giants like Google and Amazon race to develop seamless AI-powered shopping experiences, the goal is to simplify consumer searches through conversational interactions. Walmart also plans to expand drone deliveries, further bridging the gap between online desire and product acquisition.
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