Google Chrome Introduces AI‑Powered Store Summaries for U.S. Shoppers
Google Chrome is rolling out AI‑powered store summaries to help online shoppers in the U.S. quickly evaluate a retailer’s trustworthiness. When users click the site info icon next to the URL, a pop-up reveals an AI-generated overview of store reviews. These summaries include service quality, pricing, shipping reliability, and return policies—all compiled from trusted review platforms like Trustpilot, ScamAdviser, and Bazaarvoice
This native Chrome feature runs entirely on desktop and is currently available in English for U.S. users. It extracts insights from Google Shopping and external review partners—helping users make more informed purchasing decisions without leaving the site they’re browsing.
Google rethinks search results with its new AI-curated ‘Web Guide’
On Thursday Google launched Web Guide, a new AI-powered search feature that “groups links in helpful ways” for people who opt in to the test on Labs. Web Guide runs on a custom version of Google’s Gemini AI model to process search queries, reorganizing the traditional “10 blue links” by sorting results and finding related questions using generative AI.
For anyone who chooses to enable Web Guide, it is currently available within the same “Web” tab on Google Search that currently shows search results without including AI Overviews. It uses the same “query fanout technique” as AI Mode, allowing Gemini to break down queries and make several searches at once.
When I searched for “how to care for a mango tree,” Google’s Web Guide pulled up two relevant webpages, followed by an AI-generated summary and links listed under different categories, like “Mango Tree Care in Specific Climates” and “Troubleshooting Mango Tree Issues.” Some of the links came from educational resources, like from the University of Florida, while others led to YouTube videos, Quora, and Reddit threads. Last year, Google made a $60 million-per-year deal with Reddit to use its content for AI training.
Microsoft Edge gets Copilot Mode as AI browser race intensifies
Microsoft Edge’s new Copilot Mode brings AI-powered tools into the browser, enabling users to search, summarise, and complete tasks with optional voice input
Microsoft has introduced a new Copilot Mode in its Edge browser, adding AI-powered features designed to assist users while they browse the web. The feature must be manually enabled. Once turned on, users can search, ask questions, and interact with the web through Microsoft Copilot, which it has integrated directly into the browser interface. Based on the capabilities, it might be safe to say that Copilot Mode sits between Google Chrome’s early Gemini integration and the more extensive AI features offered by dedicated browsers like Perplexity’s Comet.
According to a Microsoft, this mode can understand what users are doing online and suggest relevant next steps, summaries, or even help take action on their behalf, like booking a restaurant or comparing hotel prices. The final execution of bookings rests with the users at present, however, according to Microsoft, soon Copilot will take care of that too.
Income tax code for influencers announced
The Income Tax Department has introduced a new profession code, 16021, specifically for social media influencers. This is the first time that the department has recognized this category separately.
The move is aimed at bringing influencers who earn money by promoting products and services online under India’s tax net.
The new code appears in the ITR utilities for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26).
Amazon pulls out of Google Shopping ads
Amazon’s disappearance from Google Shopping is reshaping ad dynamics. Will competitors capture cheaper clicks and greater visibility?
Amazon has abruptly exited Google Shopping ad auctions, a move with significant implications for Alphabet’s ad revenue and retail advertisers worldwide.
Mike Ryan, Head of Ecommerce Insights at SMEC, calls the shift “colossal” and compares it to the dramatic pullback Amazon made during the pandemic lockdowns.
Whats happening. Ryan said about the news:
- “Amazon has made a dramatic international exit from product advertising on Google Shopping. They are a massive source of revenue for Google parent Alphabet Inc., and also serve as a tide that lifts all boats in terms of auction prices. So this has to sting.”
While Amazon has been “cooling” on Google Shopping for about a year, the shift from a slow retreat to a “total stop” is a major inflection point, Ryan added.
Google Says You Don’t Need AEO Or GEO To Rank In AI Overviews
Google’s Gary Illyes confirmed that AI Search does not require specialized optimization, saying that “AI SEO” is not necessary and that standard SEO is all that is needed for both AI Overviews and AI Mode.
AI Search Is Everywhere
Standard search, in the way it used to be with link algorithms playing a strong role, no longer exists. AI is embedded within every step of the organic search results, from crawling to indexing and ranking. AI has been a part of Google Search for ten years, beginning with RankBrain and expanding from there.
Google’s Gary Illyes made it clear that AI is embedded within every step of today’s search ranking process.
Kenichi Suzuki (LinkedIn Profile) posted a detailed summary of what Illyes discussed, covering four main points:
AI Search features use the same infrastructure as traditional search
- AI Search Optimization = SEO
- Google’s focus is on content quality and is agnostic as to how it was created
- AI is deeply embedded into every stage of search
- Generative AI has unique features to ensure reliability
CLOSING:
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