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Google’s AI image generator wants to be your personal stylist
Search Generative Experience can find the jacket you didn’t know you needed
If you were never much of a shopper, you may have changed your tune since the internet simplified the process. With shopping apps accessible around the clock, it has become easier to buy everything from shoes to groceries. Google was already an e-commerce driver, and now that it’s shifting its focus to its efforts around Gemini and AI, it’s starting to push online shopping in a new direction.
As the number of products and services available online grows, it can be tricky to assess if something is worth purchasing or if better alternatives are available. People rely on user reviews to make these decisions, whether it's for the latest Netflix TV series, a new release from Disney, a new pair of over-ear headphones, or a hotel in London.
Google wants to help you find your next favorite indie online shop
Trusted Store badges are coming to search listings
Amazon might be your go-to place for online shopping, but that doesn't mean it's a one-stop store. The web is filled with indie shops, filled with unique items from individual creators that you'll never find on the virtual shelves of e-Commerce giants. Google wants to help shine a spotlight on those storefronts where customers find themselves having an excellent experience, encouraging others to spread their business to respected indie shop owners.
Take it from someone who loves to impulse buy snacks — a grocery list is essential. Google has no shortage of ways to create a shopping list for when you're headed out, from Keep to a web-based Shopping List tool that syncs with Assistant. The company recently gave the latter a total makeover, providing a fresh coat of paint at the loss of many of the app's most valuable features.
Google faces $2.4 billion suit for prioritizing Shopping in search results
PriceRunner is seeking 10 years worth of damages
Google can’t catch a break in Europe. It currently has three major cases pending in the EU with nearly $10 billion in fines swinging over its head like a financial sword of Damocles. Back in November it lost a major appeal worth $2.8 billion to the General Court of the EU. Google appealed this decision with the EU’s highest court last month. Despite these ongoing legal shenanigans, at least one Google Shopping competitor believes that Google isn’t abiding by the court’s decisions and has decided to sue the company for over $2 billion.
Google loses massive $2.8 billion antitrust appeal with the EU
Court cites anti-competitive nature of Google's practices
Google's had to deal with charges of anti-competitive behavior for nearly as long as it's been in business. And while none of that's new, over the past few years it's faced a slew of fresh lawsuits across Asia, Europe, and even America. Back in 2017 Google lost an antitrust case before the European Commission and got hit with a $2.8 billion fine, the largest ever imposed by the EU at that time. While clearly Google would prefer to avoid paying that princely sum, today it lost its first appeal in front of Europe’s second-highest court.
Google Search is picking up new tools for deal hunters
'Deals related to your search' in Shopping and a new section in Search planned for specific queries in October
There are whole industries built around hunting for the very best deals (we do what we can to point out ones our readers express interest in), and now Google is rolling out a couple of new tools for Search and the Shopping tab that should make bargain shopping and Black Friday deal-hunting a little easier.
Google is convinced it can finally make you use its shopping tools
You can connect select loyalty programs from merchants with your Google account, and you shopping carts get saved to Chrome
During I/O, Google has announced open cart reminders for shopping built right into Chrome. It allows you to track your open carts on shopping websites inside the browser, without you having to leave the corresponding websites open indefinitely. But the company has also introduced a few other shopping features that are worth highlighting, including an option that allows you to connect your loyalty programs with your Google account to show you the best prices right away.
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Google is relentless in putting all but its most successful ventures out to pasture — it's one of our least favorite things about the company. Only a week has passed since the imminent removal of its Wifi app was scheduled for June, and already, Google is back for more. This time, the search giant has set its sights on Google Shopping, as the company plans to shut down its dedicated mobile app within the next few weeks.
Google Shopping's latest tool is thirsty for your stimulus check
The best things to spend $1,400 (or less) on
Google is getting into the business of retail superlatives with a new mini-site telling you about the best things for everything — whether the product you want is for coffee, for power generators, or for board games, you've got options for it. All of this in an effort to prop up its Google Shopping service.
It's been admittedly hard to try out makeup before purchasing in 2020. While I haven't experienced this first-hand, I've heard that having to wear a mask in public is proving to be a problem (duh). But worry not, Google is here to save the day with a new set of tools that will help you visualize makeup from the comfort and safety of your home.
Google Shopping is introducing a 2020 gift guide based on search trends
Find the most-searched-for gifts for your friends and family
Google is using its expertise as a search company to help you find the perfect (or more specifically, the most-searched for) gifts for the special persons in your life. The business has created a guide that shows you this year's top 100 trending presents for all types of people on your list.
Google Shopping will tell you if you found a good price this holiday season
Introducing price comparisons and deal notifications
Last month, Google Shopping added features to make local shopping easier with new information on availability and curbside pickup options. In light of the upcoming holiday season, the search company has now announced that it will add price insights, deal alerts, and more comprehensive shop comparison tools.
Google makes local shopping easier with new features
Limit your browsing time with the Nearby filter
We're all looking for ways to stay safe while we're out and about these days. You're masked up, you've got your sanitizer, and you're in and out of the store as quick as you can be. Wouldn't it be better if you could do it even faster, though? In another update to its Shopping tab, Google has introduced some safety-geared features to help you do just that.
Google Store adds page featuring Nest and Pixel setup, tutorial, and tips & tricks videos
A more visible location for finding setup assistance with Google hardware
Since it was first introduced back in 2015, the Google Store website has been the de facto place to find Made By Google products like Pixel phones, laptops, and tablets. Featuring elegantly designed product pages and detailed lists of specifications, it's the place every Google nerd enjoys browsing during their free time. Now the site has introduced a video page collecting everything from device promotional ads to setup guides.
Google Shopping teardown hints at upcoming dark mode and AR previews
A Google Lens shortcut could also come to the search bar
An upcoming version of Google Shopping shows evidence of some new features that will enhance your online shopping. A teardown of version 52 of the app revealed assets relating to AR item previews (similar to those in the Amazon and Ikea apps), dark mode, and a Google Lens shortcut built into the search bar.
The best grocery (and alcohol) delivery services, plus discount codes
Stay fed, stay lit, stay safe from the coronavirus
The coronavirus pandemic continues on and social distancing is the new normal. But you've probably seen news footage of hordes of people at the supermarket, ready to pounce on a pallet of toilet paper or a bottle of hand sanitizer come the rooster's crow. Doesn't look too socially distant, huh? Maybe you'd be better off having your groceries delivered for you. If you're able to pay a small premium, then there are a bunch of apps that can help, and we've got the skinny on them.
It's been a process seeing Google merge its commerce apps and giving it all a new coat of paint. Google Express became Google Shopping in April while the accompanying website got redesigned in July. Today, Google is building on its platform with two new tools to help consumers fend for themselves during the holiday season.
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- Although Google announced this change four months ago, the company is just now sending out emails to Google Express customers describing the changes. A help page with most of the same information was also published, and Google Express customers may see a notification card regarding the upcoming changes in the app.
Earlier this month, a report from The Information claimed Google was preparing to overhaul its shopping services — including Google Express. Now the company has officially announced the merging of Shopping Search and Express into the new Google Shopping.
Earlier this year, Google confirmed that it would merge Shopping (a way to search for products from many stores in one place) and Express (a combined storefront for multiple retailers) to make the new Google Shopping. While the mobile app still bears the Express name, the updated Google Shopping site has finally appeared.