Tags: Walmart

Google has expanded its Gemini AI assistant into retail by partnering with Gap Inc., allowing users to browse and purchase items from Gap’s brands directly within the chatbot using Google Pay and the Universal Commerce Protocol. At the same time, OpenAI is stepping back from its built-in checkout feature in ChatGPT, focusing instead on improving product displays, side‑by‑side comparisons, and overall relevance. The move reflects a broader trend of retailers and AI developers experimenting with conversational commerce while reassessing what shopping experiences resonate with users. Read more

AI chatbots and e‑commerce giants are racing to let consumers hand off shopping tasks to virtual agents, but current prototypes require extensive user input, operate slowly, and often produce errors. OpenAI, Google, Amazon and others are negotiating data‑sharing and fee structures with retailers while testing limited‑scope features such as instant checkout for Walmart items and AI‑filled checkout forms. Industry executives acknowledge that true “agentic” shopping experiences remain elusive, leaving shoppers to manage most of the process themselves this holiday season. Read more

OpenAI’s new Instant Checkout lets users buy products directly within ChatGPT, but early adopters report limited functionality, confusing availability, and a lack of true purchasing capability. While the feature is tied to partners like Shopify and Etsy, it currently supports only single‑item purchases and often fails to display a buy button. Users also encounter mixed messages about which listings are eligible. The rollout coincides with a lawsuit from Ziff Davis alleging copyright infringement in OpenAI’s training data. Read more

PayPal announced that it will integrate its payment services with OpenAI's ChatGPT platform next year, allowing users to buy and sell directly through the chatbot. The move brings PayPal to a growing list of e‑commerce partners that includes Walmart, Shopify and Etsy, and follows popular demand from developers. A demo shows a user requesting shoe recommendations and receiving a PayPal checkout button. PayPal CEO Alex Chriss highlighted the large base of wallet holders who will benefit from a secure, click‑to‑buy experience on ChatGPT. Read more

OpenAI has rolled out a suite of new app integrations for ChatGPT, allowing users to connect accounts from services such as Spotify, Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Expedia, Figma, and Zillow. By linking these accounts, users can ask ChatGPT to perform tasks like creating playlists, searching for hotels, designing graphics, finding online courses, planning trips, generating diagrams, and locating homes—all within the chat interface. The company notes that connections share data with the model, prompting users to review permissions, and offers a simple way to disconnect apps. Additional partners—including DoorDash, OpenTable, Target, Uber, and Walmart—are slated to join later, with the rollout currently limited to the United States and Canada. Read more

Walmart and OpenAI have introduced Instant Checkout, a new feature that lets shoppers complete purchases through ChatGPT conversations. The AI accesses Walmart's catalog to confirm orders and handles payment via existing checkout infrastructure. Executives say the service aims to simplify everyday buying and position both companies ahead of rivals in conversational commerce. The integration builds on Walmart’s existing AI tools and expands OpenAI’s e‑commerce capabilities beyond smaller merchants. Read more

Google announced a refreshed suite of Google Home and Nest devices that integrate its Gemini artificial intelligence. The rollout includes upgraded cameras, doorbells and a new smart speaker, while a partnership with Walmart brings an affordable indoor camera and doorbell to market. Google also revealed a revamped Google Home app and a two‑track strategy: flagship hardware to showcase Gemini and open‑source tools that let other manufacturers embed the AI across price points. The move aims to make Gemini accessible to the company’s existing base of over 800 million devices without forcing users to buy new hardware. Read more

Google announced a refreshed Nest lineup that includes new indoor and outdoor cameras and a doorbell, all equipped with 2K HDR video and wider fields of view. The devices showcase Gemini, Google’s multimodal AI, to deliver smarter notifications, a Home Brief summary, and voice‑driven automations. Packaging is plastic‑free, new color options are offered, and the products are available in multiple markets. A lower‑cost onn series, sold through Walmart, expands the range, while the Nest Aware subscription is rebranded as Google Home Premium and integrated into the Home app. Read more

Google is upgrading its smart‑home ecosystem by integrating the Gemini large‑language‑model chatbot into existing Google Home and Nest devices. The move replaces Google Assistant with Gemini, offering more natural conversation, contextual understanding, and advanced automation. Alongside the AI upgrade, Google unveiled a redesigned Home app and a lineup of new Nest cameras and a Home speaker, all supporting higher‑resolution video and AI‑enhanced notifications. Some features are tied to the new Google Home Premium subscription tiers, and Walmart is joining as a partner for budget‑friendly Onn cameras and doorbells. Read more

Pokémon Legends Z‑A pre‑orders are available at a range of retailers in the United States and United Kingdom, each offering its own exclusive free gift. U.S. shoppers can receive a set of Pokémon‑themed pins from Walmart or a tote bag from GameStop, while UK customers may obtain a sticker set from ShopTo or figurines and pins from Nintendo’s online store. The promotion also notes that console bundles, including the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, remain available for pre‑order at select outlets. Read more

Apple’s recent product reveal introduced the iPhone 17, AirPods Pro 3, and Apple Watch 11, prompting retailers to slash prices on prior‑generation hardware. Deals on platforms such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart feature steep discounts for older iPhone models, iPads, AirPods, and Apple Watches. Notable offers include a free iPhone 16 Pro Max with a new Verizon line, an 11‑inch iPad priced at $299, and AirPods 4 at $117.40. The events give shoppers a chance to upgrade while saving significantly on legacy Apple products. Read more

OpenAI announced the development of an AI-driven hiring service called the OpenAI Jobs Platform, aimed at matching businesses with talent through artificial intelligence. Led by Fidji Simo, the platform will include a dedicated track for small businesses and local governments, and will be supported by a certification program through OpenAI Academy that targets millions of Americans. The initiative positions OpenAI in direct competition with LinkedIn, which is owned by Microsoft, and reflects the company’s broader push into new markets beyond its ChatGPT product. Partnerships with major employers such as Walmart underscore the platform’s ambition to reshape recruitment and AI education. Read more