Reviewed by Gotrade Internal Analyst
Jakarta, Gotrade News - Google is officially expanding Gemini's capabilities into a virtual shopping assistant through strategic partnerships with Walmart and Shopify. This move marks a major shift from traditional web search to a more personalized agent-led commerce.
Key Takeaways
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Users can do an instant checkout within Gemini without switching apps.
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The battle for AI monetization between Google, Amazon, and OpenAI is getting tighter.
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Features are rolling out in the US first, with global expansion plans.
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This new feature allows users to buy recommended products straight from the chat without ever leaving the app. Alphabet calls this initiative the next retail evolution, making the transition from "wanting it" to "owning it" much smoother.
Google's move follows a similar play by OpenAI, which already hooked up with Walmart back in October. The competition between Google, OpenAI, and Amazon is now laser-focused on who can dominate AI-based transactions the fastest.
The Impact on AI Retail Competition
The economic potential here is massive, considering how deeply AI already influences global shopping decisions. Data from Salesforce estimates that AI influenced US$272 billion—or 20 percent—of global retail sales during the last holiday season.
Instead of typing rigid keywords, you can use natural conversation to find specific products that fit your budget. PayPal is scheduled to arrive soon as a payment option to complement cards already linked to Google accounts.
Beyond just shopping, Walmart is also expanding its drone delivery service to 150 additional stores with Alphabet's Wing. Walmart CEO John Furner emphasized that this transition aims to close the gap between searching for a product and the instant gratification of buying it.
For investors, this integration isn't just a gimmick or an extra feature—it's a validation of a new business model for generative AI. Success here will determine how effectively tech giants can convert free chatbot users into active buyers.
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Reference:
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AP News, Google teams up with Walmart and other retailers to enable shopping within Gemini AI chatbot. Accessed on January 12, 2026
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Featured Image: Shutterstock
Disclaimer
Gotrade is the trading name of Gotrade Securities Inc., registered with and supervised by the Labuan Financial Services Authority (LFSA). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research (DYOR) before investing.
