Google Tests Direct Shopping in the Gemini Chatbot and AI Search

    Google is testing a direct shopping feature within Gemini and AI Mode in India. A Buy button appears next to some Flipkart products included in the test. When a user taps this button, they proceed to Flipkart's checkout without leaving the artificial intelligence page. Google is therefore going beyond product search and recommendations to become involved in the sales process as well.    For now, the new feature is available only to some users and for a limited number of products. These include smartphones, electronics and mobile accessories. Other users can see Flipkart listings in Gemini and AI Mode but cannot purchase the product directly from that page. Google plans to make the feature available to a wider group of users in October, ahead of India's holiday shopping season.    Google has not disclosed what technology powers the test. The company has only said that it regularly tests new features. Earlier in the year, Google presented an open standard called Universal Commerce Protocol. This technology is designed to let artificial intelligence assistants interact with stores from product selection through payment. However, the current test opens Flipkart's checkout window rather than Google's payment page.    Flipkart had previously been identified as one of the platforms collaborating with Google on new shopping features in India. The companies also have a financial relationship. In 2024, Google invested approximately 350 million dollars (595 million manats) in the e-commerce platform and acquired a minority stake as part of a funding round led by Walmart.    With more than 1 billion internet subscribers, India is the world's 2nd-largest internet market. Flipkart and Amazon compete fiercely for online shoppers there, particularly during the holiday season. Amazon products also appeared in the results during the test, but they did not have a direct purchase button next to them. It is not yet known when the feature will become available to other stores.