Google agentic checkout and AI Mode booking

Why 3: it tracks prices and can buy or book on a merchant's site with Google Pay, but only once you approve, so purchases always pause for you.

What it does. Agentic checkout, rolled out in November 2025, lets you track an item with a size, colour and maximum price; when it falls within budget, Google can buy it on the merchant's site with Google Pay once you approve. Since January 2026 a 'Buy' button in AI Mode and the Gemini app checks out with eligible US retailers through Google's Universal Commerce Protocol. Since 27 August 2026 AI Mode can also book hotels from partners including Booking.com, Expedia, Hilton, IHG and Marriott.

Where it falls short. The retailer or hotel stays the merchant of record and handles any problems, so Google takes the order but not the after-sales responsibility. The same interface that shops for you also shows advertisers' 'Sponsored deal' offers.