Gemini strikes new deal with Walmart, further narrowing ChatGPT's lead (www.businessinsider.com)

Google's AI chatbot, Gemini, has partnered with Walmart to deliver AI-driven shopping recommendations, leveraging customer purchase data from Walmart and Sam's Club for personalized product suggestions. This collaboration marks a significant advancement for Gemini, which is gaining momentum in the highly competitive landscape of AI chatbots, moving closer to OpenAI's ChatGPT. With this initiative, users who link their Walmart accounts can get tailored suggestions based on their shopping history and enjoy expedited delivery of in-store items. The partnership also highlights the launch of the Universal Commerce Protocol, an open standard for facilitating communication between AI systems and retail platforms. Google CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized that AI agents will increasingly shape the shopping experience, allowing for seamless transactions and personalized shopping interactions. This initiative reflects a broader trend towards agent-led commerce, potentially transforming traditional web and app searches. As Gemini continues to improve its capabilities and user base, the AI/ML community is witnessing a pivotal moment that could redefine consumer engagement in retail.