Google tests buying from Walmart-owned Flipkart through Gemini and AI Mode in India

Google has started testing a way for shoppers in India to buy products from Walmart-owned Flipkart directly through Gemini and AI Mode, as the search giant looks to expand its AI services from product discovery into transactions. Users in the test see a Buy button on select Flipkart product listings appearing in Gemini and Google’s AI Mode, which takes them directly to a Flipkart checkout flow without leaving the AI interface, according to people familiar with the matter and as seen by TechCrunch. The early test is limited to some users and a small selection of products, including smartphones, electronics, and mobile accessories, the people told TechCrunch. Other users continue to see regular product listings from Flipkart in Gemini and AI Mode without the option to buy them directly from the AI interface. Google plans to roll out the experience more broadly later in October, ahead of India’s festive shopping season, one of the people said. The test comes as Google and rivals, including OpenAI, are adding commerce capabilities to their AI offerings, striving to move beyond answering shopping queries and recommending products to playing a more direct role in online purchases. Asked about the Flipkart test, a Google spokesperson told TechCrunch the company is always testing new features and experiences to help people discover and connect with businesses more easily. The company regularly runs experiments and has no further details to share, the spokesperson added. Google has separately been building technology aimed at making purchases possible through its AI services. Earlier this year, it introduced the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) as an open standard designed to let AI agents interact with retailers across the shopping journey, including checkout. Google said at the time that the technology would allow shoppers to buy eligible products through Gemini and AI Mode using a Google-hosted checkout experience.