[ { "route_id": "R-OAI-CHATGPT", "operator": "OpenAI", "product": "ChatGPT shopping (search shopping results, shopping research, product discovery) — current flow", "dated_aliases": [ { "name": "Shopping with ChatGPT Search", "from": "not stated", "to": "" }, { "name": "shopping research", "from": "2025-11-24", "to": "" }, { "name": "product discovery (visual browse/compare)", "from": "2026-03-24", "to": "" } ], "cohort": "consumer-assistant", "consumer_surface": "ChatGPT conversation (web and mobile apps) [RTA-C007, RTA-C009]", "merchant_platform": "Shopify (via Shopify Catalog, no merchant work), Etsy; ACP feed merchants incl. Target, Sephora, Nordstrom, Lowe's, Best Buy, Home Depot, Wayfair (discovery) [RTA-C326, RTA-C328]", "countries": "not found within stated search (2025-04 shopping results reported global incl. logged-out) [RTA-C334]", "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "mobile app: Shopify merchant’s store in an in-app browser; desktop: merchant store in a separate tab [EXT-C045, RTA-C009]", "account_eligibility": "shopping results: Free/Plus/Pro and logged-out (Apr 2025, reported) [RTA-C334]; shopping research: logged-in Free/Go/Plus/Pro (Nov 2025) [RTA-C335]; logged-out at cutoff not stated", "discovery_source": "ACP merchant feeds, Shopify Catalog, public product info, other retail sources; ranking on availability, price, quality, primary seller [RTA-C014, RTA-C015]", "checkout_location": "merchant-site handoff (default); in-surface only via apps (see R-INSTACART-CHATGPT, R-OAI-APP-WMT) [RTA-C328, RTA-C330]", "payment_path": "merchant-owned websites or apps [RTA-C328]", "merchant_of_record": "merchant (own checkout) [RTA-C008]", "fulfilment_service_owner": "merchant (reported) [RTA-C008]", "functions": { "A": "documented present [RTA-C326, RTA-C328]", "B": "documented present (comparisons) [RTA-C326]", "C": "not found for the general flow; residual: OpenAI help and developer pages still describe Instant Checkout for some eligible products and approved partners [EXT-C043, EXT-C044, RTA-C329]; merchant apps such as Walmart’s offer their own checkout [EXT-C040, RTA-C325, RTA-C330]", "D": "not found within stated search", "E": "merchant-owned [RTA-C328]" }, "human_approvals": "all commitment happens on merchant site [RTA-C009]", "permission_limits": "ACP allowance: one_time, max_amount, currency, checkout_session_id, merchant_id, expires_at (documented present)", "stock_price_checks": "'up-to-date information' claimed [RTA-C007]; mechanism not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not applicable", "release_stage": "conditional: Instant Checkout historical; current stage not assessed", "announced": "2025-11-24 (shopping research); 2026-03-24 (discovery refocus)", "available": "2026-03-24 (reported) [RTA-C007]", "claim_ids": [ "PAY-C030", "PAY-C035", "PAY-C037", "PAY-C040", "PAY-C100", "PAY-C101", "PAY-C102", "PAY-C106", "RTA-C007", "RTA-C008", "RTA-C009", "RTA-C014", "RTA-C015", "RTA-C016", "RTA-C046", "RTA-C050", "RTA-C324", "RTA-C325", "RTA-C326", "RTA-C328", "RTA-C329", "RTA-C330", "RTA-C334", "RTA-C335", "EXT-C045", "EXT-C047", "EXT-C043", "EXT-C044", "EXT-C040" ], "source_ids": [ "PRO-S001", "PAY-S014", "PAY-S016", "PAY-S017", "PAY-S021", "RTA-S006", "RTA-S011", "RTA-S013", "RTA-S014", "RTA-S015", "RTA-S043", "RTA-S324", "RTA-S325", "RTA-S330", "RTA-S333", "RTA-S334", "RTA-S041", "RTA-S331" ], "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "Do not carry Sept 2025 Instant Checkout forward. OpenAI help pages may be stale snapshots.", "unverified_fields": [ "checkout_location (current)", "payment_path (current)", "human_approvals (UI)", "countries (current)", "countries", "language", "account_eligibility (logged-out)", "residual in-chat checkout at cutoff", "release_stage", "countries at cutoff", "logged-out shopping at cutoff", "whether any merchant still has native Instant Checkout" ], "stream": "PAY", "history": [ { "field": "product", "from": "ChatGPT shopping (Instant Checkout via ACP, Sept 2025; merchant-checkout handoff/apps from Mar 2026 per reports)", "to": "ChatGPT shopping (search shopping results, shopping research, product discovery) — current flow", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "dated_aliases", "from": [ { "name": "Instant Checkout", "from": "2025-09", "to": "2026-03 (reported transition; no primary shutdown date found by RTA)" } ], "to": [ { "name": "Shopping with ChatGPT Search", "from": "not stated", "to": "" }, { "name": "shopping research", "from": "2025-11-24", "to": "" }, { "name": "product discovery (visual browse/compare)", "from": "2026-03-24", "to": "" } ], "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "consumer_surface", "from": "ChatGPT", "to": "ChatGPT conversation (web and mobile apps) [RTA-C007, RTA-C009]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "merchant_platform", "from": "Etsy, Shopify (historical); Shopify Agentic Storefronts (2026, reported)", "to": "Shopify merchants via Shopify Catalog/Agentic Storefronts; direct-feed merchants via ACP feeds [RTA-C015, RTA-C046]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "language", "from": "not assessed", "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "device_channel", "from": "not assessed", "to": "mobile app: merchant checkout in in-app browser; web: merchant site in new tab [RTA-C009]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "account_eligibility", "from": "not assessed", "to": "Free, Go, Plus, Pro reported for March 2026 features [RTA-C016]; logged-out not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "discovery_source", "from": "not assessed", "to": "ACP merchant feeds, Shopify Catalog, public product info, other retail sources; ranking on availability, price, quality, primary seller [RTA-C014, RTA-C015]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "checkout_location", "from": "mixed", "to": "merchant-site handoff", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "payment_path", "from": "historical: Stripe Shared Payment Token / ACP delegate_payment, one merchant + one cart total (search-level); 2026: merchant's own checkout (reported)", "to": "merchant's own checkout and payment [RTA-C008, RTA-C009]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "merchant_of_record", "from": "merchant (ACP spec: merchant system of record; README: agent not MoR)", "to": "merchant (own checkout) [RTA-C008]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "fulfilment_service_owner", "from": "merchant (spec; Stripe launch statement search-level)", "to": "merchant (reported) [RTA-C008]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.A", "from": "not assessed", "to": "documented present [RTA-C007, RTA-C014]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.B", "from": "documented present (ACP checkout sessions)", "to": "documented present — comparisons, buyer's guides; basket formation not stated [RTA-C007]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.C", "from": "documented present historically (search-level)", "to": "not stated for the general flow after 2026-03-24 (handoff); see R-OAI-APP-WMT and R-OAI-INSTANTCHECKOUT", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "human_approvals", "from": "historical Instant Checkout: user confirms in ChatGPT UI (inferred from launch descriptions; inherited search-level); ACP itself does not specify UI approval or re-approval on price change", "to": "all commitment happens on merchant site [RTA-C009]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "stock_price_checks", "from": "documented present: merchant returns authoritative cart state on every response; price_change warning code", "to": "'up-to-date information' claimed [RTA-C007]; mechanism not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "substitution_behaviour", "from": "not stated", "to": "not applicable", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "announced", "from": "2025-09", "to": "2025-11-24 (shopping research); 2026-03-24 (discovery refocus)", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "available", "from": "not assessed", "to": "2026-03-24 (reported) [RTA-C007]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "constraints", "from": "Participation gated by OpenAI partner approval (search-level); merchant terms not public in reviewed sources", "to": "Do not carry Sept 2025 Instant Checkout forward. OpenAI help pages may be stale snapshots.", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "mobile_desktop_differences", "from": null, "to": "Mobile: in-app browser handoff; desktop/web: separate browser tab (reported, Shopify merchants) [RTA-C009]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "fresh_account_access_documentary", "from": null, "to": "DOCUMENTARY: free logged-in account reportedly gets discovery features [RTA-C016]; logged-out access to shopping cards not stated. Observation can stop at merchant handoff without purchase.", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "merchant_platform", "from": "Shopify merchants via Shopify Catalog/Agentic Storefronts; direct-feed merchants via ACP feeds [RTA-C015, RTA-C046]", "to": "Shopify (via Shopify Catalog, no merchant work), Etsy; ACP feed merchants incl. Target, Sephora, Nordstrom, Lowe's, Best Buy, Home Depot, Wayfair (discovery) [RTA-C326, RTA-C328]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Strengthens pass-1 C050 inference with OpenAI's merchant page (~30 Sep 2026 snapshot): purchases complete on merchant-owned websites or apps. Note consumer help page still mentions Instant Checkout (contradiction)." }, { "field": "countries", "from": "US (historical launch; inherited)", "to": "not found within stated search (2025-04 shopping results reported global incl. logged-out) [RTA-C334]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Strengthens pass-1 C050 inference with OpenAI's merchant page (~30 Sep 2026 snapshot): purchases complete on merchant-owned websites or apps. Note consumer help page still mentions Instant Checkout (contradiction)." }, { "field": "account_eligibility", "from": "Free, Go, Plus, Pro reported for March 2026 features [RTA-C016]; logged-out not stated", "to": "shopping results: Free/Plus/Pro and logged-out (Apr 2025, reported) [RTA-C334]; shopping research: logged-in Free/Go/Plus/Pro (Nov 2025) [RTA-C335]; logged-out at cutoff not stated", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Strengthens pass-1 C050 inference with OpenAI's merchant page (~30 Sep 2026 snapshot): purchases complete on merchant-owned websites or apps. Note consumer help page still mentions Instant Checkout (contradiction)." }, { "field": "checkout_location", "from": "merchant-site handoff", "to": "merchant-site handoff (default); in-surface only via apps (see R-INSTACART-CHATGPT, R-OAI-APP-WMT) [RTA-C328, RTA-C330]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Strengthens pass-1 C050 inference with OpenAI's merchant page (~30 Sep 2026 snapshot): purchases complete on merchant-owned websites or apps. Note consumer help page still mentions Instant Checkout (contradiction)." }, { "field": "payment_path", "from": "merchant's own checkout and payment [RTA-C008, RTA-C009]", "to": "merchant-owned websites or apps [RTA-C328]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Strengthens pass-1 C050 inference with OpenAI's merchant page (~30 Sep 2026 snapshot): purchases complete on merchant-owned websites or apps. Note consumer help page still mentions Instant Checkout (contradiction)." }, { "field": "functions.A", "from": "documented present [RTA-C007, RTA-C014]", "to": "documented present [RTA-C326, RTA-C328]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Strengthens pass-1 C050 inference with OpenAI's merchant page (~30 Sep 2026 snapshot): purchases complete on merchant-owned websites or apps. Note consumer help page still mentions Instant Checkout (contradiction)." }, { "field": "functions.B", "from": "documented present — comparisons, buyer's guides; basket formation not stated [RTA-C007]", "to": "documented present (comparisons) [RTA-C326]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Strengthens pass-1 C050 inference with OpenAI's merchant page (~30 Sep 2026 snapshot): purchases complete on merchant-owned websites or apps. Note consumer help page still mentions Instant Checkout (contradiction)." }, { "field": "functions.C", "from": "not stated for the general flow after 2026-03-24 (handoff); see R-OAI-APP-WMT and R-OAI-INSTANTCHECKOUT", "to": "not found for the general flow; residual: OpenAI help and developer pages still describe Instant Checkout for some eligible products and approved partners [EXT-C043, EXT-C044, RTA-C329]; merchant apps such as Walmart’s offer their own checkout [EXT-C040, RTA-C325, RTA-C330]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Strengthens pass-1 C050 inference with OpenAI's merchant page (~30 Sep 2026 snapshot): purchases complete on merchant-owned websites or apps. Note consumer help page still mentions Instant Checkout (contradiction)." }, { "field": "functions.E", "from": "conditional: order status/adjustment display only per ACP orders RFC; returns with merchant", "to": "merchant-owned [RTA-C328]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Strengthens pass-1 C050 inference with OpenAI's merchant page (~30 Sep 2026 snapshot): purchases complete on merchant-owned websites or apps. Note consumer help page still mentions Instant Checkout (contradiction)." }, { "field": "supersedes_note", "from": null, "to": "Strengthens pass-1 C050 inference with OpenAI's merchant page (~30 Sep 2026 snapshot): purchases complete on merchant-owned websites or apps. Note consumer help page still mentions Instant Checkout (contradiction).", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Strengthens pass-1 C050 inference with OpenAI's merchant page (~30 Sep 2026 snapshot): purchases complete on merchant-owned websites or apps. Note consumer help page still mentions Instant Checkout (contradiction)." }, { "field": "device_channel", "from": "mobile app: merchant checkout in in-app browser; web: merchant site in new tab [RTA-C009]", "to": "mobile app: Shopify merchant’s store in an in-app browser; desktop: merchant store in a separate tab [EXT-C045, RTA-C009]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Strengthens pass-1 C050 inference with OpenAI's merchant page (~30 Sep 2026 snapshot): purchases complete on merchant-owned websites or apps. Note consumer help page still mentions Instant Checkout (contradiction)." }, { "field": "mobile_desktop_differences", "from": "Mobile: in-app browser handoff; desktop/web: separate browser tab (reported, Shopify merchants) [RTA-C009]", "to": "Mobile: in-app browser; desktop: separate merchant-store tab (Shopify announcement, external reviewer retrieval) [EXT-C045, RTA-C009]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Strengthens pass-1 C050 inference with OpenAI's merchant page (~30 Sep 2026 snapshot): purchases complete on merchant-owned websites or apps. Note consumer help page still mentions Instant Checkout (contradiction)." } ], "mobile_desktop_differences": "Mobile: in-app browser; desktop: separate merchant-store tab (Shopify announcement, external reviewer retrieval) [EXT-C045, RTA-C009]", "fresh_account_access_documentary": "DOCUMENTARY: free logged-in account reportedly gets discovery features [RTA-C016]; logged-out access to shopping cards not stated. Observation can stop at merchant handoff without purchase.", "supersedes_note": "Strengthens pass-1 C050 inference with OpenAI's merchant page (~30 Sep 2026 snapshot): purchases complete on merchant-owned websites or apps. Note consumer help page still mentions Instant Checkout (contradiction).", "display_name": "ChatGPT shopping (discovery, merchant checkout)", "core": true, "census_note": "Current ChatGPT route since March 2026", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "route_id": "R-AMZ-BUYFORME", "operator": "Amazon", "product": "Buy for Me (with Shop Direct index)", "dated_aliases": [ { "name": "Buy for Me", "from": "2025-04", "to": "" } ], "cohort": "marketplace-assistant", "consumer_surface": "Amazon Shopping app search results ('Shop brand sites directly') [RTA-C028]; invoked from Alexa for Shopping since 2026-05 [RTA-C024]", "merchant_platform": "third-party brand websites (merchant data via scraping/feeds; feeds from 2026-03) [RTA-C031]", "countries": "US [RTA-C341, RTA-C342]", "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "Amazon Shopping app (help page); Amazon.com, mobile web and Rufus per one unconfirmed summary of Mar 2026 post [RTA-C343]", "account_eligibility": "conflicting: subset-of-US test (pass 1, secondary) vs 'all U.S. customers' (one Amazon-attributed summary, unconfirmed) [RTA-C343]", "discovery_source": "Shop Direct index of external brand products [RTA-C030, RTA-C031]", "checkout_location": "merchant-site handoff", "payment_path": "Amazon-held stored card and address passed encrypted to the brand site, purchase executed by Amazon's agent [RTA-C028, RTA-C029]", "merchant_of_record": "merchant is the seller; Amazon acts as the customer's agent (Terms, updated 2026-09-02) [RTA-C342]", "fulfilment_service_owner": "merchant handles shipping, returns/exchanges, customer service; Amazon return policy and A-to-z Guarantee do not apply [RTA-C341]", "functions": { "A": "documented present (reported only: secondary sources, unverified) — 'Shop brand sites directly' section in the Amazon Shopping app [RTA-C028]", "B": "not stated", "C": "documented present (search-level) — Amazon's terms say it acts as the customer's agent when buying on the brand's site [RTA-C342, RTA-C341]; the shopper's confirmation step is reported, not read [RTA-C028]", "D": "not stated", "E": "conditional — orders listed in a Buy for Me tab (reported) [RTA-C029]; shipping, returns and service with the merchant [RTA-C341]" }, "human_approvals": "shopper initiates per item (reported); exact confirmation screen not read", "permission_limits": "single item per order; no promo codes [RTA-C341]", "stock_price_checks": "merchants reported orders for out-of-stock items (secondary) [RTA-C030]", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "not stated (Amazon described as test in Jan 2026, pass 1; terms updated Sep 2026 indicate continued operation) [RTA-C342]", "announced": "2025-04", "available": "2025-04 subset US app [RTA-C028]", "claim_ids": [ "PAY-C103", "RTA-C024", "RTA-C028", "RTA-C029", "RTA-C030", "RTA-C031", "RTA-C032", "RTA-C341", "RTA-C342", "RTA-C343" ], "source_ids": [ "PAY-S018", "PAY-S019", "RTA-S017", "RTA-S024", "RTA-S025", "RTA-S026", "RTA-S337", "RTA-S338", "RTA-S339", "RTA-S340" ], "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "Merchants included by default with opt-out (reported); merchant consent contested. Status at cutoff not confirmed after Mar 2026.", "unverified_fields": [ "merchant_of_record", "fulfilment_service_owner", "payment_path", "release_stage at cutoff", "device_channel (web)", "human_approvals", "payment_path details", "eligibility breadth", "availability scope (subset vs all US)", "release stage at cutoff" ], "stream": "PAY", "history": [ { "field": "product", "from": "Buy for Me (test, Amazon Shopping app)", "to": "Buy for Me (with Shop Direct index)", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "dated_aliases", "from": [], "to": [ { "name": "Buy for Me", "from": "2025-04", "to": "" } ], "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "consumer_surface", "from": "Amazon Shopping app (iOS/Android)", "to": "Amazon Shopping app search results ('Shop brand sites directly') [RTA-C028]; invoked from Alexa for Shopping since 2026-05 [RTA-C024]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "merchant_platform", "from": "third-party brand websites", "to": "third-party brand websites (merchant data via scraping/feeds; feeds from 2026-03) [RTA-C031]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "countries", "from": "US (inherited, search-level)", "to": "US (subset of customers) [RTA-C028, RTA-C032]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "language", "from": "not assessed", "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "device_channel", "from": "not assessed", "to": "Amazon Shopping app iOS and Android [RTA-C028]; desktop web not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "account_eligibility", "from": "not assessed", "to": "subset of US customers in test [RTA-C028]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "discovery_source", "from": "Amazon 'Shop brand sites directly' section (inherited)", "to": "Shop Direct index of external brand products [RTA-C030, RTA-C031]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "payment_path", "from": "Amazon-held stored payment/shipping passed to brand site (reported, inherited)", "to": "Amazon-held stored card and address passed encrypted to the brand site, purchase executed by Amazon's agent [RTA-C028, RTA-C029]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "merchant_of_record", "from": "third-party brand (reported)", "to": "the third-party brand (sale is between shopper and brand; Amazon protections reportedly do not apply) [RTA-C029]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "fulfilment_service_owner", "from": "third-party brand; Amazon returns policy reportedly does not apply", "to": "third-party brand [RTA-C029]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.A", "from": "not assessed", "to": "documented present (reported only: secondary sources, unverified) — 'Shop brand sites directly' section in the Amazon Shopping app [RTA-C028]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.B", "from": "not assessed", "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.C", "from": "documented present (reported)", "to": "documented present (search-level) — Amazon's terms say it acts as the customer's agent when buying on the brand's site [RTA-C342, RTA-C341]; the shopper's confirmation step is reported, not read [RTA-C028]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.D", "from": "not found within stated search", "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.E", "from": "not stated", "to": "conditional — orders listed in a Buy for Me tab (reported) [RTA-C029]; shipping, returns and service with the merchant [RTA-C341]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "human_approvals", "from": "not stated", "to": "shopper initiates per item (reported); exact confirmation screen not read", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "stock_price_checks", "from": "not stated", "to": "merchants reported orders for out-of-stock items (secondary) [RTA-C030]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "release_stage", "from": "beta/test (reported)", "to": "beta / test [RTA-C028, RTA-C030, RTA-C032]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "available", "from": "not assessed", "to": "2025-04 subset US app [RTA-C028]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "constraints", "from": "Post-purchase service and returns with the brand (reported)", "to": "Merchants included by default with opt-out (reported); merchant consent contested. Status at cutoff not confirmed after Mar 2026.", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "mobile_desktop_differences", "from": null, "to": "2025 test app-only (iOS/Android) [RTA-C028]; web availability via Alexa for Shopping not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "fresh_account_access_documentary", "from": null, "to": "DOCUMENTARY: requires signed-in US Amazon account in test cohort; a fresh account may not see it ('subset'). Execution spends a real card on a third-party site — out of scope for BRIEF §7.", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "countries", "from": "US (subset of customers) [RTA-C028, RTA-C032]", "to": "US [RTA-C341, RTA-C342]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Upgrades merchant-of-record and returns fields from secondary to Amazon help/terms (search-level); availability scope now contested." }, { "field": "device_channel", "from": "Amazon Shopping app iOS and Android [RTA-C028]; desktop web not stated", "to": "Amazon Shopping app (help page); Amazon.com, mobile web and Rufus per one unconfirmed summary of Mar 2026 post [RTA-C343]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Upgrades merchant-of-record and returns fields from secondary to Amazon help/terms (search-level); availability scope now contested." }, { "field": "account_eligibility", "from": "subset of US customers in test [RTA-C028]", "to": "conflicting: subset-of-US test (pass 1, secondary) vs 'all U.S. customers' (one Amazon-attributed summary, unconfirmed) [RTA-C343]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Upgrades merchant-of-record and returns fields from secondary to Amazon help/terms (search-level); availability scope now contested." }, { "field": "merchant_of_record", "from": "the third-party brand (sale is between shopper and brand; Amazon protections reportedly do not apply) [RTA-C029]", "to": "merchant is the seller; Amazon acts as the customer's agent (Terms, updated 2026-09-02) [RTA-C342]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Upgrades merchant-of-record and returns fields from secondary to Amazon help/terms (search-level); availability scope now contested." }, { "field": "fulfilment_service_owner", "from": "third-party brand [RTA-C029]", "to": "merchant handles shipping, returns/exchanges, customer service; Amazon return policy and A-to-z Guarantee do not apply [RTA-C341]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Upgrades merchant-of-record and returns fields from secondary to Amazon help/terms (search-level); availability scope now contested." }, { "field": "permission_limits", "from": "not stated", "to": "single item per order; no promo codes [RTA-C341]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Upgrades merchant-of-record and returns fields from secondary to Amazon help/terms (search-level); availability scope now contested." }, { "field": "release_stage", "from": "beta / test [RTA-C028, RTA-C030, RTA-C032]", "to": "not stated (Amazon described as test in Jan 2026, pass 1; terms updated Sep 2026 indicate continued operation) [RTA-C342]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Upgrades merchant-of-record and returns fields from secondary to Amazon help/terms (search-level); availability scope now contested." }, { "field": "supersedes_note", "from": null, "to": "Upgrades merchant-of-record and returns fields from secondary to Amazon help/terms (search-level); availability scope now contested.", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Upgrades merchant-of-record and returns fields from secondary to Amazon help/terms (search-level); availability scope now contested." } ], "mobile_desktop_differences": "2025 test app-only (iOS/Android) [RTA-C028]; web availability via Alexa for Shopping not stated", "fresh_account_access_documentary": "DOCUMENTARY: requires signed-in US Amazon account in test cohort; a fresh account may not see it ('subset'). Execution spends a real card on a third-party site — out of scope for BRIEF §7.", "supersedes_note": "Upgrades merchant-of-record and returns fields from secondary to Amazon help/terms (search-level); availability scope now contested.", "display_name": "Amazon Buy for Me", "core": true, "census_note": "Amazon’s agent buys on a brand’s own site", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "route_id": "R-AMZ-RUFUS", "operator": "Amazon", "product": "Rufus → Alexa for Shopping (US, from 2026-05-13)", "dated_aliases": [ { "name": "Rufus", "from": "2024-02", "to": "2026-05-13 (US); may persist in some non-US locales [RTA-C027]" }, { "name": "Alexa for Shopping", "from": "2026-05-13", "to": "" } ], "cohort": "marketplace-assistant", "consumer_surface": "Amazon Shopping app and Amazon website (search bar, results, product pages, cart) [RTA-C021, RTA-C023]; Echo Show full store [RTA-C021 search summary]", "merchant_platform": "Amazon store (1P and 3P sellers); external brands only via Buy for Me (see R-AMZ-BUYFORME) [RTA-C024]", "countries": "US for Alexa for Shopping [RTA-C344]; Rufus beta in IN, UK (2024), then CA, FR, DE, IT, ES (Oct 2024) [RTA-C345]; non-US name at cutoff not found", "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "mobile app and desktop web (Alexa for Shopping) [RTA-C021]; Rufus 2024 launch was app-only [RTA-C018]", "account_eligibility": "Alexa for Shopping: all US Amazon customers [EXT-C050, RTA-C022]; Auto Buy: Prime members [EXT-C053, RTA-C337]; access to the assistant is not Auto Buy eligibility, and full operative terms were not verified [EXT-C054]; requires default payment method and address [RTA-C338]", "discovery_source": "Amazon catalogue, reviews, order history; other retailers via Shop Direct/Buy for Me [RTA-C023, RTA-C024]", "checkout_location": "marketplace", "payment_path": "Amazon account default payment method [RTA-C025]", "merchant_of_record": "Amazon or the third-party Amazon seller (marketplace rules; not re-checked) — not stated in reviewed sources", "fulfilment_service_owner": "Auto Buy limited to FBA items (Amazon fulfilment) [RTA-C020]; otherwise not stated", "functions": { "A": "documented present [RTA-C021, RTA-C023]", "B": "documented present — cart-building, shopping guides, comparisons [RTA-C023]; cart-building and Scheduled Actions are distinguished from purchasing [EXT-C051]", "C": "conditional — ordinary Amazon checkout after assistance; assistant-initiated one-off purchase approval flow not stated", "D": "documented present (Amazon feature documentation, external reviewer retrieval 10 Oct 2026; full operative terms not verified) — price-triggered Auto Buy for Prime members using default payment and delivery details; requests last six months or until cancelled [EXT-C052, EXT-C053, RTA-C025, RTA-C337, RTA-C338]; other bounds reported only [RTA-C339]; study inference [RTA-C051, EXT-C054]", "E": "conditional — an Auto Buy request can be cancelled before the order is placed [RTA-C338]; a free 24-hour cancellation window after the order is described in Amazon’s feature article [EXT-C053]; returns through the assistant not stated" }, "human_approvals": "Auto Buy: opt-in when the request is set; cancel or change any time before the order is placed [RTA-C338]; free 24-hour cancellation window after the order (Amazon feature article) [EXT-C053]; no per-purchase confirmation default documented for other agentic actions [RTA-C347]", "permission_limits": "Auto Buy: target price; requests last six months or until cancelled [EXT-C052]; FBA only, one unit and one active request per item, coupons not applied — secondary only, not verified [RTA-C339, RTA-C020]", "stock_price_checks": "Alexa checks price regularly; failure notice if out of stock or payment invalid [RTA-C338]; 30/90/365-day price history [RTA-C340]", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "not stated (Rufus July 2024: described as all-US, one outlet 'beta') [RTA-C018]; Alexa for Shopping: stage label not stated", "announced": "2024-02 (Rufus beta); 2025-11 (Auto Buy); 2026-05-13 (Alexa for Shopping)", "available": "2024-07-12 all US app [RTA-C018]; 2026-05-13 app and web [RTA-C021]", "claim_ids": [ "PAY-C104", "RTA-C017", "RTA-C018", "RTA-C019", "RTA-C020", "RTA-C021", "RTA-C022", "RTA-C023", "RTA-C024", "RTA-C025", "RTA-C026", "RTA-C027", "RTA-C051", "RTA-C337", "RTA-C338", "RTA-C339", "RTA-C340", "RTA-C344", "RTA-C345", "RTA-C347", "EXT-C050", "EXT-C051", "EXT-C052", "EXT-C053", "EXT-C054" ], "source_ids": [ "PAY-S020", "RTA-S017", "RTA-S019", "RTA-S020", "RTA-S021", "RTA-S028", "RTA-S029", "RTA-S335", "RTA-S336", "RTA-S341", "RTA-S342", "RTA-S343", "EXT-S030" ], "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "Alexa for Shopping merges Rufus and Alexa+; it is not a pure rename, so pre- and post-May-2026 capabilities must not be pooled. Usage figure (300M) is vendor-claimed.", "unverified_fields": [ "all permission_limits (secondary only)", "merchant_of_record", "account_eligibility (Auto Buy Prime requirement post-rename)", "release_stage", "language", "substitution_behaviour", "countries outside US", "help-page snapshot date for Prime-only wording", "24-hour window (Amazon wording)", "non-US naming at cutoff" ], "stream": "PAY", "history": [ { "field": "product", "from": "Rufus / Alexa for Shopping price-triggered Auto Buy", "to": "Rufus → Alexa for Shopping (US, from 2026-05-13)", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "dated_aliases", "from": [], "to": [ { "name": "Rufus", "from": "2024-02", "to": "2026-05-13 (US); may persist in some non-US locales [RTA-C027]" }, { "name": "Alexa for Shopping", "from": "2026-05-13", "to": "" } ], "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "consumer_surface", "from": "Amazon Shopping app; Alexa", "to": "Amazon Shopping app and Amazon website (search bar, results, product pages, cart) [RTA-C021, RTA-C023]; Echo Show full store [RTA-C021 search summary]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "merchant_platform", "from": "Amazon", "to": "Amazon store (1P and 3P sellers); external brands only via Buy for Me (see R-AMZ-BUYFORME) [RTA-C024]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "countries", "from": "US (inherited)", "to": "US for Alexa for Shopping [RTA-C022]; Rufus name reported in other locales (list not stated) [RTA-C027]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "language", "from": "not assessed", "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "device_channel", "from": "not assessed", "to": "mobile app and desktop web (Alexa for Shopping) [RTA-C021]; Rufus 2024 launch was app-only [RTA-C018]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "account_eligibility", "from": "not assessed", "to": "No Prime or Echo required for Alexa for Shopping [RTA-C022]; Auto Buy reported Prime-only (conflicting after rename) [RTA-C019, RTA-C020, RTA-C025]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "discovery_source", "from": "Amazon catalogue", "to": "Amazon catalogue, reviews, order history; other retailers via Shop Direct/Buy for Me [RTA-C023, RTA-C024]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "payment_path", "from": "default Amazon payment method (reported)", "to": "Amazon account default payment method [RTA-C025]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "merchant_of_record", "from": "Amazon/marketplace seller (not assessed)", "to": "Amazon or the third-party Amazon seller (marketplace rules; not re-checked) — not stated in reviewed sources", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "fulfilment_service_owner", "from": "Amazon (FBA items only, reported)", "to": "Auto Buy limited to FBA items (Amazon fulfilment) [RTA-C020]; otherwise not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.A", "from": "not assessed", "to": "documented present [RTA-C021, RTA-C023]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.B", "from": "not assessed", "to": "documented present — cart-building, shopping guides, comparisons [RTA-C023]; cart-building and Scheduled Actions are distinguished from purchasing [EXT-C051]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.C", "from": "not assessed", "to": "conditional — ordinary Amazon checkout after assistance; assistant-initiated one-off purchase approval flow not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.D", "from": "documented present (reported: buys at target price after opt-in)", "to": "documented present (Amazon feature documentation, external reviewer retrieval 10 Oct 2026; full operative terms not verified) — price-triggered Auto Buy for Prime members using default payment and delivery details; requests last six months or until cancelled [EXT-C052, EXT-C053, RTA-C025, RTA-C337, RTA-C338]; other bounds reported only [RTA-C339]; study inference [RTA-C051, EXT-C054]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.E", "from": "conditional: 24 h cancellation window before shipping (reported)", "to": "conditional — an Auto Buy request can be cancelled before the order is placed [RTA-C338]; a free 24-hour cancellation window after the order is described in Amazon’s feature article [EXT-C053]; returns through the assistant not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "human_approvals", "from": "opt-in 'Auto Buy' box at setup (reported)", "to": "Auto Buy requires shopper to tick an 'Auto Buy' box when setting the rule (reported) [RTA-C020]; no per-order approval at execution", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "permission_limits", "from": "one unit per request; one active request per item; up to six months (reported)", "to": "Target price; one unit per request; one active request per item; up to six months; FBA only (reported) [RTA-C020]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "stock_price_checks", "from": "price target check (reported)", "to": "Price monitored against target; up to a year of price history shown [RTA-C023, RTA-C025]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "release_stage", "from": "not stated", "to": "not stated (Rufus July 2024: described as all-US, one outlet 'beta') [RTA-C018]; Alexa for Shopping: stage label not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "announced", "from": "2025-11", "to": "2024-02 (Rufus beta); 2025-11 (Auto Buy); 2026-05-13 (Alexa for Shopping)", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "available", "from": "not assessed", "to": "2024-07-12 all US app [RTA-C018]; 2026-05-13 app and web [RTA-C021]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "constraints", "from": "Delegation limited to known item + price trigger (supports H6)", "to": "Alexa for Shopping merges Rufus and Alexa+; it is not a pure rename, so pre- and post-May-2026 capabilities must not be pooled. Usage figure (300M) is vendor-claimed.", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "mobile_desktop_differences", "from": null, "to": "2024: app only [RTA-C018]; 2026: app and website [RTA-C021]; feature parity across devices not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "fresh_account_access_documentary", "from": null, "to": "DOCUMENTARY: signed-in free (non-Prime) US Amazon account plausibly reaches assistance and price alerts [RTA-C022]; Auto Buy probably needs Prime [RTA-C019]; logged-out access not stated. Real purchase not authorised by BRIEF §7, so testing stops before commitment.", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "countries", "from": "US for Alexa for Shopping [RTA-C022]; Rufus name reported in other locales (list not stated) [RTA-C027]", "to": "US for Alexa for Shopping [RTA-C344]; Rufus beta in IN, UK (2024), then CA, FR, DE, IT, ES (Oct 2024) [RTA-C345]; non-US name at cutoff not found", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Resolves pass-1 Prime contradiction toward Prime-only for Auto Buy (Amazon help page, search-level, snapshot undated)." }, { "field": "account_eligibility", "from": "No Prime or Echo required for Alexa for Shopping [RTA-C022]; Auto Buy reported Prime-only (conflicting after rename) [RTA-C019, RTA-C020, RTA-C025]", "to": "Alexa for Shopping: all US Amazon customers [EXT-C050, RTA-C022]; Auto Buy: Prime members [EXT-C053, RTA-C337]; access to the assistant is not Auto Buy eligibility, and full operative terms were not verified [EXT-C054]; requires default payment method and address [RTA-C338]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Resolves pass-1 Prime contradiction toward Prime-only for Auto Buy (Amazon help page, search-level, snapshot undated)." }, { "field": "human_approvals", "from": "Auto Buy requires shopper to tick an 'Auto Buy' box when setting the rule (reported) [RTA-C020]; no per-order approval at execution", "to": "Auto Buy: opt-in when the request is set; cancel or change any time before the order is placed [RTA-C338]; free 24-hour cancellation window after the order (Amazon feature article) [EXT-C053]; no per-purchase confirmation default documented for other agentic actions [RTA-C347]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Resolves pass-1 Prime contradiction toward Prime-only for Auto Buy (Amazon help page, search-level, snapshot undated)." }, { "field": "permission_limits", "from": "Target price; one unit per request; one active request per item; up to six months; FBA only (reported) [RTA-C020]", "to": "Auto Buy: target price; requests last six months or until cancelled [EXT-C052]; FBA only, one unit and one active request per item, coupons not applied — secondary only, not verified [RTA-C339, RTA-C020]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Resolves pass-1 Prime contradiction toward Prime-only for Auto Buy (Amazon help page, search-level, snapshot undated)." }, { "field": "stock_price_checks", "from": "Price monitored against target; up to a year of price history shown [RTA-C023, RTA-C025]", "to": "Alexa checks price regularly; failure notice if out of stock or payment invalid [RTA-C338]; 30/90/365-day price history [RTA-C340]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Resolves pass-1 Prime contradiction toward Prime-only for Auto Buy (Amazon help page, search-level, snapshot undated)." }, { "field": "supersedes_note", "from": null, "to": "Resolves pass-1 Prime contradiction toward Prime-only for Auto Buy (Amazon help page, search-level, snapshot undated).", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Resolves pass-1 Prime contradiction toward Prime-only for Auto Buy (Amazon help page, search-level, snapshot undated)." } ], "mobile_desktop_differences": "2024: app only [RTA-C018]; 2026: app and website [RTA-C021]; feature parity across devices not stated", "fresh_account_access_documentary": "DOCUMENTARY: signed-in free (non-Prime) US Amazon account plausibly reaches assistance and price alerts [RTA-C022]; Auto Buy probably needs Prime [RTA-C019]; logged-out access not stated. Real purchase not authorised by BRIEF §7, so testing stops before commitment.", "supersedes_note": "Resolves pass-1 Prime contradiction toward Prime-only for Auto Buy (Amazon help page, search-level, snapshot undated).", "display_name": "Amazon Alexa for Shopping (formerly Rufus), incl. Auto Buy", "core": true, "census_note": "Rufus merged into Alexa for Shopping, 13 May 2026; Auto Buy is the clearest live delegated function found", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "route_id": "R-PPLX-SHOP", "payment_path": "PayPal (and Venmo, reported) with PayPal buyer protection [RTA-C315]", "claim_ids": [ "PAY-C268", "RTA-C044", "RTA-C045", "RTA-C312", "RTA-C313", "RTA-C314", "RTA-C315", "RTA-C316", "RTA-C317", "RTA-C318", "RTA-C319", "RTA-C320" ], "source_ids": [ "PAY-S264", "NFA-S001", "RTA-S042", "RTA-S311", "RTA-S312", "RTA-S313", "RTA-S314", "RTA-S315", "RTA-S316", "RTA-S317", "RTA-S323" ], "supersedes_note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported).", "stream": "PAY-2", "history": [ { "field": "operator", "from": null, "to": "Perplexity", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "product", "from": null, "to": "Perplexity shopping (Buy with Pro → Instant Buy with PayPal; Shopify catalogue)", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "dated_aliases", "from": null, "to": [ { "name": "Buy with Pro", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "inaccessible to the study" }, { "name": "Instant Buy (PayPal)", "from": "2025-11 (reported)", "to": "" } ], "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "cohort", "from": null, "to": "consumer-assistant", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "consumer_surface", "from": null, "to": "Perplexity answer engine", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "merchant_platform", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "countries", "from": null, "to": "inaccessible to the study", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "language", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "device_channel", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "account_eligibility", "from": null, "to": "inaccessible to the study", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "discovery_source", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "checkout_location", "from": null, "to": "in-surface", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "payment_path", "from": "PayPal (Instant Buy with PayPal, US users, from 25 Nov 2025 per PayPal newsroom; search-level)", "to": "PayPal/Venmo (reported) [RTA-C044]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "merchant_of_record", "from": null, "to": "merchant (reported) [RTA-C044]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "fulfilment_service_owner", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.A", "from": null, "to": "documented present (reported)", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.B", "from": null, "to": "inaccessible to the study", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.C", "from": null, "to": "documented present (reported) [RTA-C044, RTA-C045]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.D", "from": null, "to": "inaccessible to the study", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.E", "from": null, "to": "inaccessible to the study", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "human_approvals", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "permission_limits", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "stock_price_checks", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "substitution_behaviour", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "release_stage", "from": null, "to": "inaccessible to the study", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "announced", "from": null, "to": "2025-11-19 (reported) [RTA-C044]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "available", "from": null, "to": "inaccessible to the study", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "date_checked", "from": null, "to": "2026-10-09", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "last_stage_observed", "from": null, "to": "not assessed", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "constraints", "from": null, "to": "Alias history (Buy with Pro vs Instant Buy) not verified; do not treat as interchangeable. Fee positioning ('zero fees') reported only.", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "mobile_desktop_differences", "from": null, "to": "inaccessible to the study", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "fresh_account_access_documentary", "from": null, "to": "DOCUMENTARY: Pro requirement for Buy with Pro vs free access for Instant Buy not established.", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "dated_aliases", "from": [ { "name": "Buy with Pro", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "inaccessible to the study" }, { "name": "Instant Buy (PayPal)", "from": "2025-11 (reported)", "to": "" } ], "to": [ { "name": "Pro Shop (test)", "from": "2024 (reported, ~6-week test)", "to": "2024-11" }, { "name": "Buy with Pro / Shop like a Pro", "from": "2024-11", "to": "2025-11 (superseded by Instant Buy; exact end not stated)" }, { "name": "Instant Buy (with PayPal)", "from": "2025-11-25", "to": "" } ], "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." }, { "field": "merchant_platform", "from": "not stated", "to": "PayPal merchants (incl. via BigCommerce, Shopware, Wix per PayPal); named: Abercrombie & Fitch, Ashley Furniture, Fabletics, Adorama, Newegg; Shopify Catalog status disputed [RTA-C315, RTA-C320]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." }, { "field": "countries", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "US [RTA-C312, RTA-C317]; no other country found (negative search) [RTA-C319]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." }, { "field": "device_channel", "from": "not stated", "to": "desktop app and web at Instant Buy launch; iOS and Comet 'in the weeks ahead' (reported) [RTA-C316]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." }, { "field": "account_eligibility", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "Buy with Pro (2024): US Pro subscribers [RTA-C312]; Instant Buy (2025-11): all US users incl. free (reported) [RTA-C316]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." }, { "field": "discovery_source", "from": "not stated", "to": "Perplexity index; Merchant Program product data; PayPal store sync [RTA-C313, RTA-C315]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." }, { "field": "payment_path", "from": "PayPal/Venmo (reported) [RTA-C044]", "to": "PayPal (and Venmo, reported) with PayPal buyer protection [RTA-C315]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." }, { "field": "merchant_of_record", "from": "merchant (reported) [RTA-C044]", "to": "Instant Buy: retailer [RTA-C315, RTA-C317]; Buy with Pro: Perplexity as intermediary (reported) [RTA-C314]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." }, { "field": "fulfilment_service_owner", "from": "not stated", "to": "merchant: orders and payment go to merchant for fulfilment [RTA-C317]; returns/service with merchant (reported) [RTA-C314]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." }, { "field": "functions.A", "from": "documented present (reported)", "to": "documented present [RTA-C313]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." }, { "field": "functions.B", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." }, { "field": "functions.C", "from": "documented present (reported) [RTA-C044, RTA-C045]", "to": "documented present (US) [RTA-C315, RTA-C317]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." }, { "field": "functions.D", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "not found within stated search", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." }, { "field": "functions.E", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "merchant-owned (reported) [RTA-C314]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." }, { "field": "release_stage", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." }, { "field": "announced", "from": "2025-11-19 (reported) [RTA-C044]", "to": "2024-11 (Buy with Pro); 2025-11-25 (Instant Buy) [RTA-C312, RTA-C315]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." }, { "field": "available", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "2025-11-25 US [RTA-C315]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." }, { "field": "fees", "from": null, "to": "Buy with Pro: no kickback at launch (spokesperson, reported); Instant Buy fees not found", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." }, { "field": "supersedes_note", "from": "adds PayPal payment path and buyer/seller protection statement; does not establish current stage at cutoff", "to": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported).", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Fills pass-1 'inaccessible' alias dates: Buy with Pro Nov 2024 (US Pro only), Instant Buy 25 Nov 2025 (not 19 Nov as pass-1 RTA-C044 implied via CNBC date; 19 Nov was reporting of the plan). Pro requirement dropped for Instant Buy (reported)." } ], "operator": "Perplexity", "product": "Perplexity shopping (Buy with Pro → Instant Buy with PayPal; Shopify catalogue)", "dated_aliases": [ { "name": "Pro Shop (test)", "from": "2024 (reported, ~6-week test)", "to": "2024-11" }, { "name": "Buy with Pro / Shop like a Pro", "from": "2024-11", "to": "2025-11 (superseded by Instant Buy; exact end not stated)" }, { "name": "Instant Buy (with PayPal)", "from": "2025-11-25", "to": "" } ], "cohort": "consumer-assistant", "consumer_surface": "Perplexity answer engine", "merchant_platform": "PayPal merchants (incl. via BigCommerce, Shopware, Wix per PayPal); named: Abercrombie & Fitch, Ashley Furniture, Fabletics, Adorama, Newegg; Shopify Catalog status disputed [RTA-C315, RTA-C320]", "countries": "US [RTA-C312, RTA-C317]; no other country found (negative search) [RTA-C319]", "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "desktop app and web at Instant Buy launch; iOS and Comet 'in the weeks ahead' (reported) [RTA-C316]", "account_eligibility": "Buy with Pro (2024): US Pro subscribers [RTA-C312]; Instant Buy (2025-11): all US users incl. free (reported) [RTA-C316]", "discovery_source": "Perplexity index; Merchant Program product data; PayPal store sync [RTA-C313, RTA-C315]", "checkout_location": "in-surface", "merchant_of_record": "Instant Buy: retailer [RTA-C315, RTA-C317]; Buy with Pro: Perplexity as intermediary (reported) [RTA-C314]", "fulfilment_service_owner": "merchant: orders and payment go to merchant for fulfilment [RTA-C317]; returns/service with merchant (reported) [RTA-C314]", "functions": { "A": "documented present [RTA-C313]", "B": "not stated", "C": "documented present (US) [RTA-C315, RTA-C317]", "D": "not found within stated search", "E": "merchant-owned (reported) [RTA-C314]" }, "human_approvals": "not stated", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "not stated", "announced": "2024-11 (Buy with Pro); 2025-11-25 (Instant Buy) [RTA-C312, RTA-C315]", "available": "2025-11-25 US [RTA-C315]", "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "Alias history (Buy with Pro vs Instant Buy) not verified; do not treat as interchangeable. Fee positioning ('zero fees') reported only.", "unverified_fields": [ "all eligibility/geography/stage fields", "alias dates", "status at cutoff (no 2026 primary source)", "Shopify Catalog channel status", "iOS/Comet Instant Buy availability", "approval step" ], "mobile_desktop_differences": "inaccessible to the study", "fresh_account_access_documentary": "DOCUMENTARY: Pro requirement for Buy with Pro vs free access for Instant Buy not established.", "fees": "Buy with Pro: no kickback at launch (spokesperson, reported); Instant Buy fees not found", "display_name": "Perplexity Instant Buy (with PayPal)", "core": true, "census_note": "US; formerly Buy with Pro", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "route_id": "R-MS-COPILOT", "payment_path": "merchant's existing rails via PayPal, Stripe or Shopify; Visa/Mastercard integrations planned [RTA-C302, RTA-C305, RTA-C306]", "claim_ids": [ "PAY-C277", "RTA-C046", "RTA-C047", "RTA-C301", "RTA-C302", "RTA-C303", "RTA-C304", "RTA-C305", "RTA-C306", "RTA-C307", "RTA-C308", "RTA-C309", "RTA-C310", "RTA-C311" ], "source_ids": [ "PAY-S275", "PAY-S260", "RTA-S043", "NFA-S004", "RTA-S301", "RTA-S302", "RTA-S303", "RTA-S304", "RTA-S306", "RTA-S307", "RTA-S308", "RTA-S309", "RTA-S310" ], "supersedes_note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047).", "stream": "PAY-2", "history": [ { "field": "operator", "from": null, "to": "Microsoft", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "product", "from": null, "to": "Copilot shopping / Copilot Checkout / Copilot Merchant Program", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "cohort", "from": null, "to": "consumer-assistant", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "consumer_surface", "from": null, "to": "Microsoft Copilot", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "merchant_platform", "from": null, "to": "Shopify stores discoverable (reported) [RTA-C046]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "countries", "from": null, "to": "inaccessible to the study", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "language", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "device_channel", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "account_eligibility", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "discovery_source", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "checkout_location", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "merchant_of_record", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "fulfilment_service_owner", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.A", "from": null, "to": "conditional — Shopify product discoverability reported [RTA-C046]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.B", "from": null, "to": "inaccessible to the study", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.C", "from": null, "to": "announced/planned or live — 'Copilot Checkout' named in author corpus only [RTA-C047]", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.D", "from": null, "to": "inaccessible to the study", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "functions.E", "from": null, "to": "inaccessible to the study", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "human_approvals", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "permission_limits", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "stock_price_checks", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "substitution_behaviour", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "release_stage", "from": null, "to": "inaccessible to the study", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "announced", "from": null, "to": "inaccessible to the study", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "available", "from": null, "to": "inaccessible to the study", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "date_checked", "from": null, "to": "2026-10-09", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "last_stage_observed", "from": null, "to": "not assessed", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "constraints", "from": null, "to": "No Microsoft source searched (shared search budget exhausted).", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "mobile_desktop_differences", "from": null, "to": "inaccessible to the study", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "fresh_account_access_documentary", "from": null, "to": "DOCUMENTARY: not established.", "by": "RTA", "note": "" }, { "field": "product", "from": "Copilot shopping / Copilot Checkout / Copilot Merchant Program", "to": "Copilot shopping with Copilot Checkout (in-chat purchase) and Copilot Merchant Program / Merchant Center onboarding", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "dated_aliases", "from": null, "to": [ { "name": "Copilot Merchant Program", "from": "2025 (reported)", "to": "" }, { "name": "Copilot Checkout", "from": "2026-01-08", "to": "" } ], "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "consumer_surface", "from": "Microsoft Copilot", "to": "Copilot.com; Copilot mobile app (expanding per Apr 2026 post) [RTA-C301, RTA-C308, RTA-C309]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "merchant_platform", "from": "Shopify stores discoverable (reported) [RTA-C046]", "to": "PayPal and Stripe merchants (apply via Merchant Center); Shopify merchants auto-enrolled after opt-out window; Etsy sellers; named brands incl. Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Ashley Furniture; Target account linking (Apr 2026) [RTA-C302, RTA-C303, RTA-C308]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "countries", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "US (merchant eligibility: English-language merchants selling to US buyers in USD 'at this time') [RTA-C301, RTA-C304]; no expansion found (negative search)", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "language", "from": "not stated", "to": "English (merchant eligibility) [RTA-C304]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "device_channel", "from": "not stated", "to": "web (Copilot.com) at launch; mobile app expanding from Apr 2026 [RTA-C308, RTA-C309]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "discovery_source", "from": "not stated", "to": "Merchant Center feeds; Shopify Catalog integration (Apr 2026) [RTA-C303, RTA-C308]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "checkout_location", "from": "not stated", "to": "in-surface", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "payment_path", "from": "Stripe Agentic Commerce Suite (Stripe newsroom; search-level); PayPal named as Copilot discovery partner", "to": "merchant's existing rails via PayPal, Stripe or Shopify; Visa/Mastercard integrations planned [RTA-C302, RTA-C305, RTA-C306]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "merchant_of_record", "from": "not stated", "to": "merchant (Microsoft statement) [RTA-C305, RTA-C306]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "fulfilment_service_owner", "from": "not stated", "to": "merchant: fulfilment via merchant systems [RTA-C305]; returns and customer service with merchant (reported) [RTA-C307]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "functions.A", "from": "conditional — Shopify product discoverability reported [RTA-C046]", "to": "documented present [RTA-C301]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "functions.B", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "functions.C", "from": "announced/planned or live — 'Copilot Checkout' named in author corpus only [RTA-C047]", "to": "documented present (vendor-described, US) [RTA-C301, RTA-C305]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "functions.D", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "not found within stated search", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "functions.E", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "merchant-owned (reported) — returns and service stay with the merchant; no returns workflow in Copilot found [RTA-C307, RTA-C305]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "release_stage", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "not stated ('live'/'rolling out' in US per press; Microsoft wording not seen) [RTA-C301]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "announced", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "2026-01-08 [RTA-C301]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "available", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "2026-01 (US, Copilot.com, reported) [RTA-C301]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "fees", "from": null, "to": "'Today, Microsoft does not take a commission or affiliate fee' (merchant FAQ) [RTA-C306]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." }, { "field": "supersedes_note", "from": "payment processor evidence only; merchant of record per Stripe ACS blog is the merchant (PAY-C276)", "to": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047).", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Replaces pass-1 'inaccessible to the study' values (no Microsoft source searched in pass 1). Copilot Checkout now evidenced by Microsoft-attributed pages (search-level), not just the author corpus (RTA-C047)." } ], "operator": "Microsoft", "product": "Copilot shopping with Copilot Checkout (in-chat purchase) and Copilot Merchant Program / Merchant Center onboarding", "cohort": "consumer-assistant", "consumer_surface": "Copilot.com; Copilot mobile app (expanding per Apr 2026 post) [RTA-C301, RTA-C308, RTA-C309]", "merchant_platform": "PayPal and Stripe merchants (apply via Merchant Center); Shopify merchants auto-enrolled after opt-out window; Etsy sellers; named brands incl. Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Ashley Furniture; Target account linking (Apr 2026) [RTA-C302, RTA-C303, RTA-C308]", "countries": "US (merchant eligibility: English-language merchants selling to US buyers in USD 'at this time') [RTA-C301, RTA-C304]; no expansion found (negative search)", "language": "English (merchant eligibility) [RTA-C304]", "device_channel": "web (Copilot.com) at launch; mobile app expanding from Apr 2026 [RTA-C308, RTA-C309]", "account_eligibility": "not stated", "discovery_source": "Merchant Center feeds; Shopify Catalog integration (Apr 2026) [RTA-C303, RTA-C308]", "checkout_location": "in-surface", "merchant_of_record": "merchant (Microsoft statement) [RTA-C305, RTA-C306]", "fulfilment_service_owner": "merchant: fulfilment via merchant systems [RTA-C305]; returns and customer service with merchant (reported) [RTA-C307]", "functions": { "A": "documented present [RTA-C301]", "B": "not stated", "C": "documented present (vendor-described, US) [RTA-C301, RTA-C305]", "D": "not found within stated search", "E": "merchant-owned (reported) — returns and service stay with the merchant; no returns workflow in Copilot found [RTA-C307, RTA-C305]" }, "human_approvals": "not stated", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "not stated ('live'/'rolling out' in US per press; Microsoft wording not seen) [RTA-C301]", "announced": "2026-01-08 [RTA-C301]", "available": "2026-01 (US, Copilot.com, reported) [RTA-C301]", "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "No Microsoft source searched (shared search budget exhausted).", "unverified_fields": [ "all except existence of the name", "release_stage wording", "consumer account eligibility", "approval/confirmation step", "mobile availability at cutoff", "returns owner (secondary only)" ], "mobile_desktop_differences": "inaccessible to the study", "fresh_account_access_documentary": "DOCUMENTARY: not established.", "dated_aliases": [ { "name": "Copilot Merchant Program", "from": "2025 (reported)", "to": "" }, { "name": "Copilot Checkout", "from": "2026-01-08", "to": "" } ], "fees": "'Today, Microsoft does not take a commission or affiliate fee' (merchant FAQ) [RTA-C306]", "display_name": "Microsoft Copilot Checkout", "core": true, "census_note": "US", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "route_id": "R-AMZ-ALEXAPLUS", "operator": "Amazon", "product": "Alexa+ shopping (devices, Alexa app, Alexa.com)", "dated_aliases": [ { "name": "Alexa+", "from": "2026-02-04 (all-US availability)", "to": "" }, { "name": "merged into Alexa for Shopping in Amazon app/web", "from": "2026-05-13", "to": "" } ], "cohort": "consumer-assistant", "consumer_surface": "Echo devices, Fire TV, Alexa app, Alexa.com [RTA-C033]", "merchant_platform": "Amazon store; other task partners not assessed", "countries": "US (GA 2026-02, pass 1); UK Early Access from 2026-03-18/19, still Early Access 2026-08-18 (reported); Canada and Mexico earlier (reported) [RTA-C346]", "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "voice devices, mobile app, web (Alexa.com) [RTA-C033]", "account_eligibility": "Prime included; $19.99/month standalone; limited free tier on Alexa.com/app [RTA-C033]", "discovery_source": "Amazon catalogue (not stated in detail)", "checkout_location": "marketplace", "payment_path": "Amazon account (not stated in reviewed sources)", "merchant_of_record": "not stated", "fulfilment_service_owner": "not stated", "functions": { "A": "documented present (reported) [RTA-C033]", "B": "not stated", "C": "conditional — device purchases reported [RTA-C034]", "D": "not stated", "E": "not stated" }, "human_approvals": "not stated", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "not stated (reported 'available to all US customers') [RTA-C033]", "announced": "not found within stated search", "available": "2026-02-04 (Forbes: March 2026) [RTA-C033]", "claim_ids": [ "RTA-C033", "RTA-C034", "RTA-C021", "RTA-C346" ], "source_ids": [ "RTA-S030", "RTA-S031", "RTA-S032", "RTA-S017", "RTA-S344", "RTA-S345" ], "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "Shopping capability details on Alexa+ were not separately documented in reviewed sources; overlap with Alexa for Shopping after May 2026.", "unverified_fields": [ "functions B-E", "payment_path", "merchant_of_record", "voice purchase approvals" ], "mobile_desktop_differences": "free tier limited to Alexa.com and Alexa app (reported) [RTA-C033]", "fresh_account_access_documentary": "DOCUMENTARY: free US account can reach limited Alexa+ chat on Alexa.com/app [RTA-C033]; shopping depth in free tier not stated.", "stream": "RTA", "history": [ { "field": "countries", "from": "US [RTA-C033]", "to": "US (GA 2026-02, pass 1); UK Early Access from 2026-03-18/19, still Early Access 2026-08-18 (reported); Canada and Mexico earlier (reported) [RTA-C346]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Adds UK Early Access; Alexa for Shopping in amazon.co.uk not found." }, { "field": "supersedes_note", "from": null, "to": "Adds UK Early Access; Alexa for Shopping in amazon.co.uk not found.", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Adds UK Early Access; Alexa for Shopping in amazon.co.uk not found." } ], "supersedes_note": "Adds UK Early Access; Alexa for Shopping in amazon.co.uk not found.", "core": false, "census_note": "Merged into Alexa for Shopping on 13 May 2026; pre-merger record", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "route_id": "R-OAI-INSTANTCHECKOUT", "operator": "OpenAI with Stripe (ACP)", "product": "Instant Checkout in ChatGPT (historical, Sept 2025 - Mar 2026)", "dated_aliases": [ { "name": "Instant Checkout", "from": "2025-09-29", "to": "2026-03-24 (deprioritised as standalone feature per OpenAI statement; reports of pull-back 5-6 Mar 2026; no technical shutdown date) [RTA-C324, RTA-C327]" } ], "cohort": "consumer-assistant", "consumer_surface": "ChatGPT conversation [RTA-C001]", "merchant_platform": "Etsy (launch), select Shopify merchants; Walmart (reported) [RTA-C001, RTA-C004]", "countries": "US users, US Etsy sellers at launch [RTA-C001, RTA-C004]", "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "not stated", "account_eligibility": "paying and logged-in free US users (help page snapshot, pre-March 2026) [RTA-C004]; merchants: approved partners via application [RTA-C005]", "discovery_source": "ChatGPT shopping results", "checkout_location": "in-surface", "payment_path": "Stripe Shared Payment Token scoped to one merchant and cart total, merchant's PSP [RTA-C003]", "merchant_of_record": "merchant (reported; merchant accepts order, charges, tax, fulfilment, returns) [RTA-C003]", "fulfilment_service_owner": "merchant [RTA-C003]", "functions": { "A": "documented present — products found in chat could be bought in chat [RTA-C001, EXT-C046]; shopping research fed the same flow from Nov 2025 [RTA-C014]", "B": "documented present — single-item at launch [RTA-C002]", "C": "conditional — confirm in chat; general route shifted to merchant checkout 24 Mar 2026 [RTA-C324, EXT-C042]; help and developer documentation still describe it for some eligible products and approved partners [EXT-C043, EXT-C044]; operation at the cutoff unresolved", "D": "not found within stated search", "E": "merchant-owned [RTA-C003]" }, "human_approvals": "buyer confirms purchase in chat (reported)", "permission_limits": "token limited to one merchant and one cart total [RTA-C003]", "stock_price_checks": "reported weaknesses with real-time inventory/promotions (secondary) [RTA-C006]", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "conditional — documentation confirmed, operation unresolved: deprioritised as a standalone feature on 24 Mar 2026 [RTA-C324]; OpenAI’s merchant page says it is moving away from standalone Instant Checkout [EXT-C042]; OpenAI’s help page still describes it for some eligible products and merchants [EXT-C043, RTA-C329] and its developer documentation says it is available to approved partners [EXT-C044]; no shutdown date found [RTA-C010]; which partners operate it at the cutoff not established", "announced": "2025-09-29", "available": "2025-09-29 to 2026-03 (reported)", "claim_ids": [ "RTA-C001", "RTA-C002", "RTA-C003", "RTA-C004", "RTA-C005", "RTA-C006", "RTA-C008", "RTA-C010", "RTA-C012", "RTA-C013", "RTA-C324", "RTA-C325", "RTA-C327", "RTA-C329", "RTA-C330", "RTA-C331", "RTA-C332", "RTA-C333", "EXT-C042", "EXT-C043", "EXT-C044", "EXT-C046", "EXT-C047", "RTA-C014" ], "source_ids": [ "PAY-S014", "RTA-S002", "RTA-S003", "PAY-S015", "PAY-S016", "RTA-S008", "RTA-S009", "RTA-S010", "PAY-S017", "RTA-S006", "RTA-S325", "PRO-S047", "RTA-S328", "PRO-S046", "RTA-S330", "RTA-S332", "RTA-S324", "RTA-S013", "RTA-S331", "DIS-S019" ], "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "HISTORICAL ROUTE. Added as separate route_id so the Sept 2025 flow is not read as current. Live merchants ~dozen to ~30 (reported).", "unverified_fields": [ "exact end date", "residual flagship merchants", "fee (reported ~4%, not primary)", "technical switch-off date", "residual merchants at cutoff" ], "mobile_desktop_differences": "not stated", "fresh_account_access_documentary": "DOCUMENTARY: no longer the documented general flow; not a target for observation at cutoff.", "stream": "RTA", "history": [ { "field": "dated_aliases", "from": [ { "name": "Instant Checkout", "from": "2025-09-29", "to": "2026-03 (retreat; no universal shutdown date found) [RTA-C010]" } ], "to": [ { "name": "Instant Checkout", "from": "2025-09-29", "to": "2026-03-24 (deprioritised as standalone feature per OpenAI statement; reports of pull-back 5-6 Mar 2026; no technical shutdown date) [RTA-C324, RTA-C327]" } ], "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Date resolution: 5/6 Mar = press reports of plans (The Information); 20 Mar = CNBC; 24 Mar = OpenAI's own post. Use 24 Mar 2026 as the official date." }, { "field": "release_stage", "from": "retired or paused for general use (reported; no official shutdown date found) [RTA-C006, RTA-C008, RTA-C010]", "to": "conditional — documentation confirmed, operation unresolved: deprioritised as a standalone feature on 24 Mar 2026 [RTA-C324]; OpenAI’s merchant page says it is moving away from standalone Instant Checkout [EXT-C042]; OpenAI’s help page still describes it for some eligible products and merchants [EXT-C043, RTA-C329] and its developer documentation says it is available to approved partners [EXT-C044]; no shutdown date found [RTA-C010]; which partners operate it at the cutoff not established", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Date resolution: 5/6 Mar = press reports of plans (The Information); 20 Mar = CNBC; 24 Mar = OpenAI's own post. Use 24 Mar 2026 as the official date." }, { "field": "supersedes_note", "from": null, "to": "Date resolution: 5/6 Mar = press reports of plans (The Information); 20 Mar = CNBC; 24 Mar = OpenAI's own post. Use 24 Mar 2026 as the official date.", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Date resolution: 5/6 Mar = press reports of plans (The Information); 20 Mar = CNBC; 24 Mar = OpenAI's own post. Use 24 Mar 2026 as the official date." } ], "supersedes_note": "Date resolution: 5/6 Mar = press reports of plans (The Information); 20 Mar = CNBC; 24 Mar = OpenAI's own post. Use 24 Mar 2026 as the official date.", "display_name": "ChatGPT Instant Checkout (Sept 2025 – Mar 2026)", "core": true, "census_note": "Historical: kept as its own record so its launch scope is never read as current", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "route_id": "R-OAI-APP-WMT", "operator": "Walmart (inside OpenAI ChatGPT apps)", "product": "Walmart app in ChatGPT (Sparky)", "dated_aliases": [ { "name": "Walmart ChatGPT app powered by Sparky", "from": "2026-03", "to": "" } ], "cohort": "merchant-owned-agent", "consumer_surface": "ChatGPT (app within chat) [RTA-C011]", "merchant_platform": "Walmart", "countries": "US (implied) [RTA-C011]", "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "web at launch [EXT-C041]; iOS/Android planned (Mar 2026, reported); mobile rollout not confirmed at cutoff [RTA-C336]", "account_eligibility": "Walmart account linking and loyalty [EXT-C040]; Sparky sign-in on first use (reported) [RTA-C011]", "discovery_source": "Walmart catalogue", "checkout_location": "in-surface", "payment_path": "Walmart payments within a tailored Walmart environment [EXT-C040, RTA-C011]", "merchant_of_record": "Walmart (implied by Walmart checkout) [RTA-C011]", "fulfilment_service_owner": "Walmart (not stated explicitly)", "functions": { "A": "documented present (OpenAI post, external reviewer retrieval 10 Oct 2026) — a Walmart app inside ChatGPT [EXT-C040]; Sparky answers reported [RTA-C011]", "B": "documented present (reported only: one secondary source, unverified) — add to cart [RTA-C011]", "C": "documented present (OpenAI post, external reviewer retrieval 10 Oct 2026) — account linking, loyalty and Walmart payments in a Walmart environment [EXT-C040, RTA-C011, RTB-C018]; checkout execution not observed", "D": "not stated", "E": "not stated" }, "human_approvals": "not stated", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "not stated", "announced": "2026-03", "available": "2026-03 web [RTA-C011]", "claim_ids": [ "RTA-C011", "RTA-C012", "RTB-C018", "EXT-C040", "EXT-C041", "RTA-C336" ], "source_ids": [ "RTA-S012", "RTA-S006" ], "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "Merchant-run environment inside ChatGPT; added as a separate route because checkout owner differs from R-OAI-CHATGPT.", "unverified_fields": [ "mobile rollout at cutoff", "countries", "approval steps" ], "mobile_desktop_differences": "web only at launch; mobile later (status at cutoff not found) [RTA-C011]", "fresh_account_access_documentary": "DOCUMENTARY: needs a Walmart account to transact; browsing in ChatGPT before sign-in not stated.", "stream": "RTA", "history": [ { "field": "device_channel", "from": "web browsers first; iOS/Android 'later' [RTA-C011]", "to": "web at launch [EXT-C041]; iOS/Android planned (Mar 2026, reported); mobile rollout not confirmed at cutoff [RTA-C336]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "No change found; mobile status remains unverified (negative search)." }, { "field": "supersedes_note", "from": null, "to": "No change found; mobile status remains unverified (negative search).", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "No change found; mobile status remains unverified (negative search)." } ], "supersedes_note": "No change found; mobile status remains unverified (negative search).", "display_name": "Walmart (Sparky) app inside ChatGPT", "core": true, "census_note": "Merchant-owned agent inside an assistant; same route as R-WMT-CHATGPT", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "route_id": "R-GOO-AIMODE", "operator": "Google", "product": "AI Mode shopping and agentic checkout (Search)", "dated_aliases": [ { "name": "agentic checkout on Search/AI Mode (price tracking + 'Buy for me with GPay')", "from": "2025-11", "to": "not stated" }, { "name": "UCP-powered checkout ('Buy' button) in AI Mode", "from": "2026-01-11 (announced); rollout date not stated", "to": "not stated" }, { "name": "Universal Cart (Search)", "from": "2026-05 (announced; US 'this summer')", "to": "not stated" } ], "cohort": "consumer-assistant", "consumer_surface": "Google Search incl. AI Mode; price-tracking notifications/email [RTA-C212, RTA-C216, RTA-C218]", "merchant_platform": "Merchant Center merchants integrated via UCP (Etsy, Wayfair live per Google post; Shopify, Target, Walmart 'coming soon') [RTA-C223]; early agentic-checkout merchants Wayfair, Chewy, Quince, select Shopify [RTA-C218]", "countries": "US (consumer 'Buy' button, Search Help) [RTA-C212]; Google Pay Help also lists AU [RTA-C213]; merchant product eligibility US/CA/AU per Merchant Center Help [RTA-C208]; CA/AU merchant rollout 'early next year' per 16 Sep 2026 [RTA-C224]. Conflict recorded; conservative reading US only.", "language": "English [RTA-C212, RTA-C213]", "device_channel": "not stated (a Computer-variant help page exists, RTA-S217; mobile variant not found within stated search)", "account_eligibility": "Signed-in Google Account, age 18+, US, English; valid payment method and shipping address in Google Wallet [RTA-C212, RTA-C213]", "discovery_source": "Google Shopping / Merchant Center product data incl. conversational attributes [RTA-C229]", "checkout_location": "mixed", "payment_path": "Google Pay using funding PANs stored in Google Wallet [RTA-C209, RTA-C201, RTA-C218]; PayPal announced/planned [RTA-C203]; AP2: protocol-compatible [RTA-C230, RTA-C231] and announced for Universal Cart guardrails [RTA-C220]; AP2 in production not found within stated search", "merchant_of_record": "merchant [RTA-C202, RTA-C204, RTA-C220]", "fulfilment_service_owner": "merchant handles payment processing, fulfilment, returns and customer support [RTA-C215]", "functions": { "A": "documented present [RTA-C218, RTA-C229]", "B": "documented present: price tracking [RTA-C217]; cart transfer / Universal Cart (announced) [RTA-C224, RTA-C220]", "C": "documented present: per-purchase confirmation before purchase, incl. price-triggered 'Buy for me with GPay' [RTA-C212, RTA-C216, RTA-C214]", "D": "announced/planned: AP2 spending guardrails in Universal Cart [RTA-C220]; no documented in-production delegated purchase found", "E": "conditional: help page titled 'Make purchases and manage orders directly from AI Mode' (RTA-S217), order actions not captured; returns go to merchant [RTA-C215]" }, "human_approvals": "User confirms total, payment method and shipping before the agent buys; for price tracking, notification/email at target price asks for confirmation [RTA-C216]", "permission_limits": "Purchase completes only if final price <= confirmed total [RTA-C214]; excludes ID-verification goods (alcohol, tobacco) [RTA-C212]; AP2 guardrails announced only [RTA-C220]", "stock_price_checks": "Final-price re-check against confirmed total [RTA-C214]; 'Let Google Call' store calls for stock/price (reported, Nov 2025) [RTA-C219]", "substitution_behaviour": "not found within stated search", "release_stage": "limited rollout: 'select merchants' [RTA-C213], 'gradually rolling out' [RTA-C224], merchant waitlist + approval [RTA-C205]; no source calls it generally available", "announced": "2025-11 (agentic checkout) [RTA-C218]; 2026-01-11 (UCP) [RTA-C201]; 2026-05 (Universal Cart; CA/AU/UK expansion plan) [RTA-C220, RTA-C221]", "available": "US rollout from 2025-11 (agentic checkout) [RTA-C218]; UCP checkout with Etsy/Wayfair 'rolling out' (date not surfaced) [RTA-C223]; Universal Cart availability at cutoff not confirmed", "claim_ids": [ "RTA-C038", "RTA-C039", "RTA-C040", "RTA-C041", "RTA-C046", "RTA-C048", "RTA-C049", "RTA-C201", "RTA-C202", "RTA-C203", "RTA-C204", "RTA-C205", "RTA-C206", "RTA-C207", "RTA-C208", "RTA-C209", "RTA-C210", "RTA-C211", "RTA-C212", "RTA-C213", "RTA-C214", "RTA-C215", "RTA-C216", "RTA-C217", "RTA-C218", "RTA-C219", "RTA-C220", "RTA-C221", "RTA-C222", "RTA-C223", "RTA-C224", "RTA-C225", "RTA-C229", "RTA-C230", "RTA-C234", "RTA-C240", "RTA-C241", "RTA-C231" ], "source_ids": [ "RTA-S039", "RTA-S040", "NFA-S001", "NFA-S002", "PRO-S014", "RTA-S043", "RTA-S201", "RTA-S202", "RTA-S203", "RTA-S204", "RTA-S205", "RTA-S207", "RTA-S208", "RTA-S209", "RTA-S210", "RTA-S211", "RTA-S212", "RTA-S213", "RTA-S214", "RTA-S215", "RTA-S216", "RTA-S217", "RTA-S218", "RTA-S221", "RTA-S232" ], "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "All Google pages search-level only (not opened). Help-page index snapshots undated; geography conflicts across Google's own pages.", "unverified_fields": [ "countries", "eligibility", "release_stage", "price tracking with buy / 'let Google call'", "approvals", "mobile vs desktop", "countries (US vs AU vs CA)", "device_channel", "fees_to_merchants", "functions.E", "Universal Cart availability at cutoff", "PayPal live status", "substitution_behaviour" ], "mobile_desktop_differences": "inaccessible to the study", "fresh_account_access_documentary": "DOCUMENTARY: a signed-in US Google Account, 18+, English, with a card and address in Google Wallet should see the 'Buy' button on eligible listings [RTA-C212]; logged-out access to checkout not stated.", "stream": "RTA", "history": [ { "field": "dated_aliases", "from": [], "to": [ { "name": "agentic checkout on Search/AI Mode (price tracking + 'Buy for me with GPay')", "from": "2025-11", "to": "not stated" }, { "name": "UCP-powered checkout ('Buy' button) in AI Mode", "from": "2026-01-11 (announced); rollout date not stated", "to": "not stated" }, { "name": "Universal Cart (Search)", "from": "2026-05 (announced; US 'this summer')", "to": "not stated" } ], "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "consumer_surface", "from": "Google Search AI Mode [RTA-C040]", "to": "Google Search incl. AI Mode; price-tracking notifications/email [RTA-C212, RTA-C216, RTA-C218]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "merchant_platform", "from": "UCP merchants incl. Shopify, Etsy, Wayfair, Target, Walmart as co-developers (reported) [RTA-C040]; Shopify stores discoverable [RTA-C046]", "to": "Merchant Center merchants integrated via UCP (Etsy, Wayfair live per Google post; Shopify, Target, Walmart 'coming soon') [RTA-C223]; early agentic-checkout merchants Wayfair, Chewy, Quince, select Shopify [RTA-C218]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "countries", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "US (consumer 'Buy' button, Search Help) [RTA-C212]; Google Pay Help also lists AU [RTA-C213]; merchant product eligibility US/CA/AU per Merchant Center Help [RTA-C208]; CA/AU merchant rollout 'early next year' per 16 Sep 2026 [RTA-C224]. Conflict recorded; conservative reading US only.", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "language", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "English [RTA-C212, RTA-C213]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "device_channel", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "not stated (a Computer-variant help page exists, RTA-S217; mobile variant not found within stated search)", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "account_eligibility", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "Signed-in Google Account, age 18+, US, English; valid payment method and shipping address in Google Wallet [RTA-C212, RTA-C213]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "discovery_source", "from": "Google shopping data / merchant feeds (not read)", "to": "Google Shopping / Merchant Center product data incl. conversational attributes [RTA-C229]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "checkout_location_detail", "from": null, "to": "(1) native in-surface UCP checkout: Google calls merchant API, payment/shipping in a Google UI [RTA-C207, RTA-C212]; (2) agentic checkout completing on the merchant's website after price trigger + confirmation [RTA-C218]; (3) cart transfer/handoff to merchant site [RTA-C224, RTA-C220]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "payment_path", "from": "not stated (AP2-compatible per report) [RTA-C040]", "to": "Google Pay using funding PANs stored in Google Wallet [RTA-C209, RTA-C201, RTA-C218]; PayPal announced/planned [RTA-C203]; AP2: protocol-compatible [RTA-C230, RTA-C231] and announced for Universal Cart guardrails [RTA-C220]; AP2 in production not found within stated search", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "merchant_of_record", "from": "business remains MoR per UCP docs (spec, not product terms) [RTA-C038]", "to": "merchant [RTA-C202, RTA-C204, RTA-C220]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "fulfilment_service_owner", "from": "not stated", "to": "merchant handles payment processing, fulfilment, returns and customer support [RTA-C215]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "returns_owner", "from": null, "to": "merchant [RTA-C215]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "fees_to_merchants", "from": null, "to": "not found within stated search; a 'UCP checkout Terms of Service (US only)' page exists but was not read [RTA-C234]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "merchant_eligibility", "from": null, "to": "Merchant Center account; native_commerce/checkout_eligibility attribute on listings [RTA-C208]; Google Pay business account + supported PSP [RTA-C206]; US fulfilment and US bank account [RTA-C210]; waitlist/interest form, Google approval, sandbox validation [RTA-C205, RTA-C211]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "functions.A", "from": "documented present (reported) [RTA-C040]", "to": "documented present [RTA-C218, RTA-C229]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "functions.B", "from": "conditional", "to": "documented present: price tracking [RTA-C217]; cart transfer / Universal Cart (announced) [RTA-C224, RTA-C220]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "functions.C", "from": "documented present (reported 'agentic checkout'; in-surface Shopify checkout with blocks not loading) [RTA-C040, RTA-C041]", "to": "documented present: per-purchase confirmation before purchase, incl. price-triggered 'Buy for me with GPay' [RTA-C212, RTA-C216, RTA-C214]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "functions.D", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "announced/planned: AP2 spending guardrails in Universal Cart [RTA-C220]; no documented in-production delegated purchase found", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "functions.E", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "conditional: help page titled 'Make purchases and manage orders directly from AI Mode' (RTA-S217), order actions not captured; returns go to merchant [RTA-C215]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "human_approvals", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "User confirms total, payment method and shipping before the agent buys; for price tracking, notification/email at target price asks for confirmation [RTA-C216]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "permission_limits", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "Purchase completes only if final price <= confirmed total [RTA-C214]; excludes ID-verification goods (alcohol, tobacco) [RTA-C212]; AP2 guardrails announced only [RTA-C220]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "stock_price_checks", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "Final-price re-check against confirmed total [RTA-C214]; 'Let Google Call' store calls for stock/price (reported, Nov 2025) [RTA-C219]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "substitution_behaviour", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "not found within stated search", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "release_stage", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "limited rollout: 'select merchants' [RTA-C213], 'gradually rolling out' [RTA-C224], merchant waitlist + approval [RTA-C205]; no source calls it generally available", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "announced", "from": "2026-01-11 (UCP) [RTA-C049]; 2026-09-16 update (content not read) [RTA-C048]", "to": "2025-11 (agentic checkout) [RTA-C218]; 2026-01-11 (UCP) [RTA-C201]; 2026-05 (Universal Cart; CA/AU/UK expansion plan) [RTA-C220, RTA-C221]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "available", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "US rollout from 2025-11 (agentic checkout) [RTA-C218]; UCP checkout with Etsy/Wayfair 'rolling out' (date not surfaced) [RTA-C223]; Universal Cart availability at cutoff not confirmed", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "constraints", "from": "Google pages blocked and shared search budget exhausted before Google searches; route record rests on author-corpus leads and spec text. 'checkout_location: mixed' reflects UCP escalation-to-merchant via continue_url [RTA-C039] plus reported in-surface checkout [RTA-C041].", "to": "All Google pages search-level only (not opened). Help-page index snapshots undated; geography conflicts across Google's own pages.", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "fresh_account_access_documentary", "from": "DOCUMENTARY: not established in this run; AI Mode signed-in vs logged-out access and checkout eligibility need a dated Google help page.", "to": "DOCUMENTARY: a signed-in US Google Account, 18+, English, with a card and address in Google Wallet should see the 'Buy' button on eligible listings [RTA-C212]; logged-out access to checkout not stated.", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." }, { "field": "supersedes_note", "from": null, "to": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability).", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability)." } ], "checkout_location_detail": "(1) native in-surface UCP checkout: Google calls merchant API, payment/shipping in a Google UI [RTA-C207, RTA-C212]; (2) agentic checkout completing on the merchant's website after price trigger + confirmation [RTA-C218]; (3) cart transfer/handoff to merchant site [RTA-C224, RTA-C220]", "returns_owner": "merchant [RTA-C215]", "fees_to_merchants": "not found within stated search; a 'UCP checkout Terms of Service (US only)' page exists but was not read [RTA-C234]", "merchant_eligibility": "Merchant Center account; native_commerce/checkout_eligibility attribute on listings [RTA-C208]; Google Pay business account + supported PSP [RTA-C206]; US fulfilment and US bank account [RTA-C210]; waitlist/interest form, Google approval, sandbox validation [RTA-C205, RTA-C211]", "supersedes_note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Supersedes pass-1 'inaccessible' values for countries, language, eligibility, approvals, release_stage; refines RTA-C040 (Jan 2026 was an announcement of 'soon', not availability).", "display_name": "Google AI Mode shopping and agentic checkout", "core": true, "census_note": "US, English; select merchants", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "route_id": "R-GOO-GEMINI", "operator": "Google", "product": "Gemini app shopping / checkout", "dated_aliases": [ { "name": "UCP-powered checkout in the Gemini app", "from": "2026-01-11 (announced); rollout date not stated", "to": "not stated" }, { "name": "Universal Cart (Gemini app)", "from": "2026-05 (announced; US 'this summer')", "to": "not stated" } ], "cohort": "consumer-assistant", "consumer_surface": "Gemini app [RTA-C223, RTA-C202]", "merchant_platform": "UCP merchants: Etsy and Wayfair rolling out, Shopify/Target/Walmart 'coming soon' [RTA-C223]; Walmart account linking reported [RTA-C235]", "countries": "US [RTA-C223, RTA-C201]; US-only at first per AP [RTA-C235]", "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "not stated", "account_eligibility": "not found within stated search for Gemini specifically (Search Help 18+/signed-in terms are for AI Mode, RTA-C212)", "discovery_source": "Merchant Center product data incl. conversational attributes [RTA-C229]; Walmart purchase history for linked accounts (reported) [RTA-C235]", "checkout_location": "mixed", "payment_path": "Google Pay [RTA-C201]; PayPal announced/planned [RTA-C203]; AP2 announced for Universal Cart guardrails [RTA-C220]", "merchant_of_record": "merchant [RTA-C202, RTA-C204]", "fulfilment_service_owner": "merchant (per Google Pay agentic checkout help, which is not Gemini-specific) [RTA-C215]", "functions": { "A": "documented present (search-level) — Google names Gemini among the conversational surfaces its new Merchant Center discovery attributes serve [RTA-C229]; Walmart-linked recommendations reported only [RTA-C235]", "B": "announced/planned: Universal Cart [RTA-C220]; combined Walmart carts reported [RTA-C235]", "C": "conditional — a Google post says UCP checkout is rolling out in the Gemini app for Etsy and Wayfair (US) [RTA-C223]; Google's developer getting-started page (undated index snapshot) still lists Gemini as 'coming soon' [RTA-C204]; each purchase confirmed by the shopper [RTA-C240]", "D": "announced/planned [RTA-C220]", "E": "not found within stated search" }, "human_approvals": "not stated for Gemini specifically; documented Google checkout paths require per-purchase confirmation (inference) [RTA-C240]", "permission_limits": "AP2 guardrails announced only [RTA-C220]", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not found within stated search", "release_stage": "rolling out (Google post) [RTA-C223]; developer page index still says Gemini 'coming soon' [RTA-C204]; not generally available per any source", "announced": "2026-01-11 [RTA-C201, RTA-C235]; 2026-05 (Universal Cart) [RTA-C220]", "available": "US, Etsy and Wayfair 'rolling out' (date not surfaced) [RTA-C223]", "claim_ids": [ "RTA-C038", "RTA-C040", "RTA-C041", "RTA-C046", "RTA-C201", "RTA-C202", "RTA-C203", "RTA-C204", "RTA-C205", "RTA-C215", "RTA-C220", "RTA-C223", "RTA-C224", "RTA-C229", "RTA-C234", "RTA-C235", "RTA-C240", "RTA-C212", "RTA-C206", "RTA-C208", "RTA-C210" ], "source_ids": [ "NFA-S001", "NFA-S002", "PRO-S014", "RTA-S043", "RTA-S201", "RTA-S202", "RTA-S207", "RTA-S209", "RTA-S212", "RTA-S227", "RTA-S228", "RTA-S229", "RTA-S232" ], "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "No Gemini-specific help page found; several fields inferred from shared UCP-on-Google documentation.", "unverified_fields": [ "all eligibility, geography, stage and approval fields", "language", "device_channel", "account_eligibility", "human_approvals", "release date of checkout", "Walmart-in-Gemini live state", "Universal Cart availability" ], "mobile_desktop_differences": "inaccessible to the study", "fresh_account_access_documentary": "DOCUMENTARY: not established; US Google Account presumed (US-only rollout).", "stream": "RTA", "history": [ { "field": "dated_aliases", "from": [], "to": [ { "name": "UCP-powered checkout in the Gemini app", "from": "2026-01-11 (announced); rollout date not stated", "to": "not stated" }, { "name": "Universal Cart (Gemini app)", "from": "2026-05 (announced; US 'this summer')", "to": "not stated" } ], "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "consumer_surface", "from": "Gemini app [RTA-C040]", "to": "Gemini app [RTA-C223, RTA-C202]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "merchant_platform", "from": "UCP merchants (reported) [RTA-C040]", "to": "UCP merchants: Etsy and Wayfair rolling out, Shopify/Target/Walmart 'coming soon' [RTA-C223]; Walmart account linking reported [RTA-C235]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "countries", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "US [RTA-C223, RTA-C201]; US-only at first per AP [RTA-C235]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "language", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "device_channel", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "account_eligibility", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "not found within stated search for Gemini specifically (Search Help 18+/signed-in terms are for AI Mode, RTA-C212)", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "discovery_source", "from": "not stated", "to": "Merchant Center product data incl. conversational attributes [RTA-C229]; Walmart purchase history for linked accounts (reported) [RTA-C235]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "checkout_location_detail", "from": null, "to": "in-surface UCP checkout [RTA-C202, RTA-C223]; Universal Cart allows Google Pay or transfer to merchant site (announced) [RTA-C220]; cart transfer [RTA-C224]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "payment_path", "from": "not stated", "to": "Google Pay [RTA-C201]; PayPal announced/planned [RTA-C203]; AP2 announced for Universal Cart guardrails [RTA-C220]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "merchant_of_record", "from": "business remains MoR per UCP docs (spec) [RTA-C038]", "to": "merchant [RTA-C202, RTA-C204]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "fulfilment_service_owner", "from": "not stated", "to": "merchant (per Google Pay agentic checkout help, which is not Gemini-specific) [RTA-C215]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "returns_owner", "from": null, "to": "merchant [RTA-C215] (not Gemini-specific)", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "fees_to_merchants", "from": null, "to": "not found within stated search [RTA-C234]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "merchant_eligibility", "from": null, "to": "Same UCP-on-Google onboarding as AI Mode: Merchant Center, waitlist and Google approval for 'AI Mode and Gemini' [RTA-C205, RTA-C206, RTA-C208, RTA-C210]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "functions.A", "from": "documented present (reported) [RTA-C040]", "to": "documented present (search-level) — Google names Gemini among the conversational surfaces its new Merchant Center discovery attributes serve [RTA-C229]; Walmart-linked recommendations reported only [RTA-C235]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "functions.B", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "announced/planned: Universal Cart [RTA-C220]; combined Walmart carts reported [RTA-C235]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "functions.C", "from": "documented present (reported) [RTA-C040, RTA-C041]", "to": "conditional — a Google post says UCP checkout is rolling out in the Gemini app for Etsy and Wayfair (US) [RTA-C223]; Google's developer getting-started page (undated index snapshot) still lists Gemini as 'coming soon' [RTA-C204]; each purchase confirmed by the shopper [RTA-C240]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "functions.D", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "announced/planned [RTA-C220]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "functions.E", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "not found within stated search", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "human_approvals", "from": "not stated", "to": "not stated for Gemini specifically; documented Google checkout paths require per-purchase confirmation (inference) [RTA-C240]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "permission_limits", "from": "not stated", "to": "AP2 guardrails announced only [RTA-C220]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "substitution_behaviour", "from": "not stated", "to": "not found within stated search", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "release_stage", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "rolling out (Google post) [RTA-C223]; developer page index still says Gemini 'coming soon' [RTA-C204]; not generally available per any source", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "announced", "from": "2026-01-11 (reported) [RTA-C040]", "to": "2026-01-11 [RTA-C201, RTA-C235]; 2026-05 (Universal Cart) [RTA-C220]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "available", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "US, Etsy and Wayfair 'rolling out' (date not surfaced) [RTA-C223]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "constraints", "from": "Same access limits as R-GOO-AIMODE.", "to": "No Gemini-specific help page found; several fields inferred from shared UCP-on-Google documentation.", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "fresh_account_access_documentary", "from": "DOCUMENTARY: not established.", "to": "DOCUMENTARY: not established; US Google Account presumed (US-only rollout).", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." }, { "field": "supersedes_note", "from": null, "to": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened.", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened." } ], "checkout_location_detail": "in-surface UCP checkout [RTA-C202, RTA-C223]; Universal Cart allows Google Pay or transfer to merchant site (announced) [RTA-C220]; cart transfer [RTA-C224]", "returns_owner": "merchant [RTA-C215] (not Gemini-specific)", "fees_to_merchants": "not found within stated search [RTA-C234]", "merchant_eligibility": "Same UCP-on-Google onboarding as AI Mode: Merchant Center, waitlist and Google approval for 'AI Mode and Gemini' [RTA-C205, RTA-C206, RTA-C208, RTA-C210]", "supersedes_note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened.", "display_name": "Gemini app shopping and checkout", "core": true, "census_note": "Rolling out in the US", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "route_id": "R-YT-SHOP", "operator": "Google (YouTube)", "product": "YouTube shopping (incl. 16 Sep 2026 holiday update)", "dated_aliases": [ { "name": "YouTube Shopping affiliate program (Shopify merchants)", "from": "2024-08", "to": "not stated" }, { "name": "Business Agent in YouTube ads (US beta)", "from": "2026-09-16", "to": "not stated" }, { "name": "Universal Cart on YouTube", "from": "2026-05 (announced, 'to follow')", "to": "not stated" } ], "cohort": "social-commerce", "consumer_surface": "YouTube (mobile for tagged products) [RTA-C236]; YouTube app accelerated checkout [RTA-C237]", "merchant_platform": "Merchant Center; Shopify (US), Cafe24 (KR) for accelerated checkout [RTA-C237, RTA-C239]", "countries": "Product tags: listed countries, list not captured [RTA-C236]; affiliate program: 14 countries [RTA-C238]; accelerated checkout: US, KR [RTA-C237]", "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "mobile devices for tagged products [RTA-C236]; YouTube app for accelerated checkout [RTA-C237]", "account_eligibility": "not stated", "discovery_source": "creator product tags / affiliate program; Merchant Center feeds [RTA-C236, RTA-C239]", "checkout_location": "mixed", "payment_path": "not stated", "merchant_of_record": "not stated (default checkout on merchant site) [RTA-C236]", "fulfilment_service_owner": "not stated", "functions": { "A": "documented present: product tags, Business Agent Q&A inside ads (US beta) [RTA-C236, RTA-C227]", "B": "announced/planned: Universal Cart on YouTube [RTA-C220]", "C": "conditional: accelerated checkout for some merchants [RTA-C237]", "D": "not found within stated search", "E": "not found within stated search" }, "human_approvals": "not stated", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not found within stated search", "release_stage": "shopping tags: not stated; accelerated checkout: limited [RTA-C237]; Business Agent in ads: beta [RTA-C227]; Universal Cart: announced [RTA-C220]", "announced": "2024-08 (affiliate for Shopify) [RTA-C239]; 2026-05 (Universal Cart) [RTA-C220]; 2026-09-16 (Business Agent in ads) [RTA-C227]", "available": "not stated (help pages undated)", "claim_ids": [ "RTA-C048", "RTA-C220", "RTA-C227", "RTA-C236", "RTA-C237", "RTA-C238", "RTA-C239" ], "source_ids": [ "RTA-S040", "RTA-S038", "RTA-S207", "RTA-S223", "RTA-S224", "RTA-S225", "RTA-S226", "RTA-S234" ], "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "Help pages search-level and undated; no consumer purchasing agent found on YouTube.", "unverified_fields": [ "all", "countries list for tags", "payment_path", "merchant_of_record for accelerated checkout", "fees", "Universal Cart on YouTube" ], "mobile_desktop_differences": "inaccessible to the study", "fresh_account_access_documentary": "DOCUMENTARY: tags visible on mobile in listed countries; no sign-in requirement found.", "stream": "RTA", "history": [ { "field": "dated_aliases", "from": [], "to": [ { "name": "YouTube Shopping affiliate program (Shopify merchants)", "from": "2024-08", "to": "not stated" }, { "name": "Business Agent in YouTube ads (US beta)", "from": "2026-09-16", "to": "not stated" }, { "name": "Universal Cart on YouTube", "from": "2026-05 (announced, 'to follow')", "to": "not stated" } ], "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "consumer_surface", "from": "YouTube", "to": "YouTube (mobile for tagged products) [RTA-C236]; YouTube app accelerated checkout [RTA-C237]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "merchant_platform", "from": "not stated", "to": "Merchant Center; Shopify (US), Cafe24 (KR) for accelerated checkout [RTA-C237, RTA-C239]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "countries", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "Product tags: listed countries, list not captured [RTA-C236]; affiliate program: 14 countries [RTA-C238]; accelerated checkout: US, KR [RTA-C237]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "device_channel", "from": "not stated", "to": "mobile devices for tagged products [RTA-C236]; YouTube app for accelerated checkout [RTA-C237]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "discovery_source", "from": "not stated", "to": "creator product tags / affiliate program; Merchant Center feeds [RTA-C236, RTA-C239]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "checkout_location", "from": "not stated", "to": "mixed", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "checkout_location_detail", "from": null, "to": "merchant website by default [RTA-C236]; in-app accelerated checkout for certain US Shopify / KR Cafe24 merchants, some products still redirect [RTA-C237]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "merchant_of_record", "from": "not stated", "to": "not stated (default checkout on merchant site) [RTA-C236]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "returns_owner", "from": null, "to": "not stated", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "fees_to_merchants", "from": null, "to": "not found within stated search", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "merchant_eligibility", "from": null, "to": "Merchant Center; US Shopify Plus/Advanced for affiliate program (2024) [RTA-C239]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "functions.A", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "documented present: product tags, Business Agent Q&A inside ads (US beta) [RTA-C236, RTA-C227]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "functions.B", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "announced/planned: Universal Cart on YouTube [RTA-C220]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "functions.C", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "conditional: accelerated checkout for some merchants [RTA-C237]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "functions.D", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "not found within stated search", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "functions.E", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "not found within stated search", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "substitution_behaviour", "from": "not stated", "to": "not found within stated search", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "release_stage", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "shopping tags: not stated; accelerated checkout: limited [RTA-C237]; Business Agent in ads: beta [RTA-C227]; Universal Cart: announced [RTA-C220]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "announced", "from": "2026-09-16 (lead only) [RTA-C048]", "to": "2024-08 (affiliate for Shopify) [RTA-C239]; 2026-05 (Universal Cart) [RTA-C220]; 2026-09-16 (Business Agent in ads) [RTA-C227]", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "available", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "not stated (help pages undated)", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "constraints", "from": "No content read for this route in this run.", "to": "Help pages search-level and undated; no consumer purchasing agent found on YouTube.", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "fresh_account_access_documentary", "from": "DOCUMENTARY: not established.", "to": "DOCUMENTARY: tags visible on mobile in listed countries; no sign-in requirement found.", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." }, { "field": "supersedes_note", "from": null, "to": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown.", "by": "RTA-2", "note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown." } ], "checkout_location_detail": "merchant website by default [RTA-C236]; in-app accelerated checkout for certain US Shopify / KR Cafe24 merchants, some products still redirect [RTA-C237]", "returns_owner": "not stated", "fees_to_merchants": "not found within stated search", "merchant_eligibility": "Merchant Center; US Shopify Plus/Advanced for affiliate program (2024) [RTA-C239]", "supersedes_note": "Pass 1 had these fields 'inaccessible to the study' (no Google searches). Pass 2 adds search-level readings of Google help/developer pages and blog posts; none opened (blog.google, developers.google.com, support.google.com egress-blocked); UCP spec repo opened. Pass 1 had every field unknown.", "core": false, "census_note": "Shopping tags mostly hand off; limited in-app checkout", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "route_id": "R-PPLX-COMET", "operator": "Perplexity", "product": "Comet browser agent shopping on third-party sites (Amazon)", "dated_aliases": [], "cohort": "consumer-assistant", "consumer_surface": "Comet browser", "merchant_platform": "any website incl. Amazon (contested)", "countries": "Comet browser free worldwide from 2025-10-02 [RTA-C321]; litigation US", "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "not stated", "account_eligibility": "free for all users since 2025-10-02 (previously Max) [RTA-C321]", "discovery_source": "not stated", "checkout_location": "merchant-site handoff", "payment_path": "user's own merchant account via browser session (inferred from dispute description) [RTA-C042]", "merchant_of_record": "the website's merchant (inferred)", "fulfilment_service_owner": "not stated", "functions": { "A": "conditional: shopping tool for price comparison/deal tracking (reported) [RTA-C321]", "B": "inaccessible to the study", "C": "inaccessible to the study", "D": "conditional: agent acts in user's logged-in session (described in litigation) [RTA-C322]", "E": "inaccessible to the study" }, "human_approvals": "not stated", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "inaccessible to the study", "announced": "inaccessible to the study", "available": "inaccessible to the study", "claim_ids": [ "RTA-C042", "RTA-C043", "RTA-C321", "RTA-C322", "RTA-C323" ], "source_ids": [ "NFA-S001", "NFA-S002", "NFA-S008", "RTA-S318", "RTA-S319", "RTA-S320", "RTA-S321", "RTA-S322" ], "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "Injunction (Mar 2026) stayed then vacated by Ninth Circuit 2026-08-04 (reported, independent press) [RTA-C322]; rehearing reportedly denied 2026-09-10 and Amazon amended complaint 2026-09-21 (single secondary) [RTA-C323]. At cutoff: no injunction in force (reported); merits pending in district court.", "unverified_fields": [ "all capability fields", "litigation status at cutoff", "docket confirmation of rehearing denial and amended complaint", "purchase-completion capability documentation" ], "mobile_desktop_differences": "inaccessible to the study", "fresh_account_access_documentary": "DOCUMENTARY: not proposed for observation (terms-of-service conflict with Amazon).", "stream": "RTA", "history": [ { "field": "countries", "from": "US (litigation) [RTA-C042]", "to": "Comet browser free worldwide from 2025-10-02 [RTA-C321]; litigation US", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Confirms pass-1 RTA-C043 (author corpus) with trade press; adds post-August status." }, { "field": "account_eligibility", "from": "not stated", "to": "free for all users since 2025-10-02 (previously Max) [RTA-C321]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Confirms pass-1 RTA-C043 (author corpus) with trade press; adds post-August status." }, { "field": "functions.A", "from": "inaccessible to the study", "to": "conditional: shopping tool for price comparison/deal tracking (reported) [RTA-C321]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Confirms pass-1 RTA-C043 (author corpus) with trade press; adds post-August status." }, { "field": "functions.D", "from": "conditional — agent acts in user's logged-in session; scope not assessed", "to": "conditional: agent acts in user's logged-in session (described in litigation) [RTA-C322]", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Confirms pass-1 RTA-C043 (author corpus) with trade press; adds post-August status." }, { "field": "constraints", "from": "Added because the Amazon v. Perplexity litigation defines access limits for third-party agents on a marketplace. Injunction 2026-03-10, vacated 2026-08-04 (reported). Proceedings after Aug 2026 unknown.", "to": "Injunction (Mar 2026) stayed then vacated by Ninth Circuit 2026-08-04 (reported, independent press) [RTA-C322]; rehearing reportedly denied 2026-09-10 and Amazon amended complaint 2026-09-21 (single secondary) [RTA-C323]. At cutoff: no injunction in force (reported); merits pending in district court.", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Confirms pass-1 RTA-C043 (author corpus) with trade press; adds post-August status." }, { "field": "supersedes_note", "from": null, "to": "Confirms pass-1 RTA-C043 (author corpus) with trade press; adds post-August status.", "by": "RTA-3", "note": "Confirms pass-1 RTA-C043 (author corpus) with trade press; adds post-August status." } ], "supersedes_note": "Confirms pass-1 RTA-C043 (author corpus) with trade press; adds post-August status.", "core": false, "census_note": "Agentic browser; litigation context (Amazon v. Perplexity)", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "route_id": "R-CONV-SEARCH", "operator": "various (search engine → merchant site)", "product": "Conventional search to merchant site (baseline)", "dated_aliases": [], "cohort": "conventional-baseline", "consumer_surface": "general web search results and merchant website", "merchant_platform": "any", "countries": "not applicable", "language": "not applicable", "device_channel": "mobile and desktop browsers", "account_eligibility": "none required for search; merchant account or guest checkout per merchant", "discovery_source": "search index, ads, merchant pages", "checkout_location": "merchant-site handoff", "payment_path": "merchant checkout", "merchant_of_record": "merchant", "fulfilment_service_owner": "merchant", "functions": { "A": "documented present (definitional)", "B": "not applicable (human-performed)", "C": "not applicable (human checkout)", "D": "not applicable", "E": "merchant-owned" }, "human_approvals": "human performs all steps", "permission_limits": "not applicable", "stock_price_checks": "merchant site", "substitution_behaviour": "not applicable", "release_stage": "not applicable", "announced": "not applicable", "available": "not applicable", "claim_ids": [], "source_ids": [], "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "Definitional record only (BRIEF §7 baseline); no sources needed for definition.", "unverified_fields": [], "mobile_desktop_differences": "not assessed", "fresh_account_access_documentary": "DOCUMENTARY: logged-out access to search and merchant guest checkout is typical; per-merchant.", "stream": "RTA", "history": [], "display_name": "Conventional search to merchant site (baseline)", "core": true, "census_note": "Definitional baseline for comparison", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "dated_aliases": [], "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "not stated", "account_eligibility": "not stated", "discovery_source": "For You feed video, LIVE, Shop tab, creator affiliates (Momentum Works: US GMV share Shop tab 51.4%, video 40.4%, LIVE 8.2%, H1 2026 estimate)", "checkout_location": "marketplace", "payment_path": "not stated", "merchant_of_record": "not stated", "fulfilment_service_owner": "conditional", "functions": { "A": "documented present (search-level) — shoppable videos, LIVE and the Shop tab recommend products in the feed [HIS-C053]", "B": "not assessed", "C": "not assessed", "D": "not found within stated search", "E": "not assessed" }, "human_approvals": "not stated", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "not stated", "announced": "not assessed", "available": "not stated", "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "US operations owned by TikTok USDS JV from 22 Jan 2026 (ByteDance 19.9%, secondary); official fee tables not retrieved", "unverified_fields": [ "referral fee US current", "UK current rate", "payment_path", "merchant_of_record", "release_stage" ], "route_id": "R-TT-SHOP", "route_role": "consumer route", "operator": "TikTok (ByteDance; US entity structure not assessed)", "product": "TikTok Shop", "cohort": "social-commerce", "consumer_surface": "TikTok app: Shop tab, short video, LIVE", "merchant_platform": "TikTok Shop Seller Center (third-party integrations not assessed)", "countries": "US (full launch Sept 2023) [HIS-C053]; UK [HIS-C055, RTB-C009]; Spain and Ireland (Dec 2024), Germany, France and Italy (Mar 2025) [HIS-C056]; search-level or reported only; other markets not assessed", "claim_ids": [ "RTB-C007", "RTB-C008", "RTB-C009", "RTB-C010", "RTB-C011", "HIS-C053", "HIS-C055", "HIS-C056", "RTB-C217", "RTB-C218", "RTB-C219", "RTB-C220" ], "source_ids": [ "RTB-S007", "RTB-S008", "RTB-S009", "RTB-S010", "RTB-S011", "RTB-S012", "RTB-S013", "RTB-S215", "RTB-S216", "RTB-S217", "RTB-S218" ], "stream": "RTB", "history": [ { "field": "constraints", "from": "Fees: US referral 6% per May 2026 table (reported) vs reported 8% from 4 Aug 2026; UK 9% since 2 Sep 2024 (reported); creator commission set by seller; all fee claims secondary-only (unverified)", "to": "US operations owned by TikTok USDS JV from 22 Jan 2026 (ByteDance 19.9%, secondary); official fee tables not retrieved", "by": "RTB-2", "note": "Adds ownership context and failed fee-table retrieval" }, { "field": "supersedes_note", "from": null, "to": "Adds ownership context and failed fee-table retrieval", "by": "RTB-2", "note": "Adds ownership context and failed fee-table retrieval" } ], "supersedes_note": "Adds ownership context and failed fee-table retrieval", "display_name": "TikTok Shop (US)", "core": true, "census_note": "Social marketplace with in-app checkout", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "dated_aliases": [ { "name": "Buy Direct", "from": "2026-10-05", "to": "" } ], "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "not stated", "account_eligibility": "conditional (eligibility-based advertiser testing, reported)", "discovery_source": "ads / For You feed", "checkout_location": "in-surface", "payment_path": "not stated (Stripe named as partner)", "merchant_of_record": "not stated ('buy directly from a brand' wording)", "fulfilment_service_owner": "not stated", "functions": { "A": "not assessed", "B": "not assessed", "C": "announced/planned — one-click in-app checkout from the For You feed [RTB-C001]", "D": "not found within stated search", "E": "not stated" }, "human_approvals": "not stated (one-click)", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "announced/planned — announced to advertisers 5 Oct 2026 [RTB-C001]; advertiser testing reported only [RTB-C002]; no launch date given (reported) [RTB-C003]", "announced": "2026-10-05", "available": "not stated", "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "Newsroom page inaccessible; stage from secondary coverage; UCP requirement reported by single secondary source", "unverified_fields": [ "countries", "merchant_of_record", "payment_path", "release_stage", "UCP requirement" ], "route_id": "R-TT-BUYDIRECT", "route_role": "consumer route", "operator": "TikTok", "product": "Buy Direct", "cohort": "social-commerce", "consumer_surface": "TikTok For You feed and brand ads (reported)", "merchant_platform": "announced/planned (partners named: Salesforce, Shopify, Shoplazza, Stripe)", "countries": "not stated (US reported by secondary)", "claim_ids": [ "RTB-C001", "RTB-C002", "RTB-C003", "RTB-C004", "RTB-C005" ], "source_ids": [ "RTB-S001", "RTB-S002", "RTB-S003", "RTB-S004", "RTB-S005", "RTB-S006" ], "stream": "RTB", "history": [], "display_name": "TikTok Buy Direct and Shopping Assistant (announced)", "core": true, "census_note": "Announced 5 Oct 2026 to advertisers; testing", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "dated_aliases": [], "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "not stated", "account_eligibility": "conditional (advertiser testing, reported)", "discovery_source": "conversation within TikTok; product pages", "checkout_location": "not stated", "payment_path": "not stated", "merchant_of_record": "not stated", "fulfilment_service_owner": "not stated", "functions": { "A": "announced/planned", "B": "announced/planned", "C": "not stated", "D": "not found within stated search", "E": "not stated" }, "human_approvals": "not stated", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "limited", "announced": "2026-10-05", "available": "not stated", "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "", "unverified_fields": [ "countries", "checkout_location", "release_stage" ], "route_id": "R-TT-ASSIST", "route_role": "consumer route", "operator": "TikTok", "product": "Shopping Assistant", "cohort": "social-commerce", "consumer_surface": "TikTok in-app (reported in in-app browser while viewing a product)", "merchant_platform": "announced/planned", "countries": "not stated", "claim_ids": [ "RTB-C001", "RTB-C002", "RTB-C006" ], "source_ids": [ "RTB-S001", "RTB-S002", "RTB-S004" ], "stream": "RTB", "history": [], "core": false, "census_note": "Folded into the Buy Direct record for the dossier", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "dated_aliases": [ { "name": "Shops with checkout on Facebook/Instagram", "from": "not assessed", "to": "2025-08" }, { "name": "Shops with website checkout", "from": "2025-08", "to": "" } ], "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "not stated", "account_eligibility": "not stated", "discovery_source": "feed, ads, product tags", "checkout_location": "merchant-site handoff", "payment_path": "merchant's own checkout", "merchant_of_record": "not stated", "fulfilment_service_owner": "not stated", "functions": { "A": "not assessed", "B": "not stated", "C": "not applicable — no agent acts for the shopper; Shops checkout moved to merchant websites in 2025 (reported) [RTB-C012]", "D": "not found within stated search", "E": "not stated" }, "human_approvals": "not stated", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "not stated", "announced": "2025-06 (transition)", "available": "not stated", "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "Retreat from on-platform checkout per secondary sources", "unverified_fields": [ "exact end date (end Aug vs 4 Sep 2025)", "countries" ], "route_id": "R-META-SHOP", "route_role": "consumer route", "operator": "Meta", "product": "Facebook & Instagram Shops", "cohort": "social-commerce", "consumer_surface": "Facebook, Instagram", "merchant_platform": "Commerce Manager; partner platforms (Shopify, BigCommerce, Adobe Commerce etc., not assessed)", "countries": "US (checkout era); not assessed now", "claim_ids": [ "RTB-C012" ], "source_ids": [ "RTB-S014", "RTB-S015" ], "stream": "RTB", "history": [], "display_name": "Facebook and Instagram Shops", "core": true, "census_note": "Checkout moved back to merchant sites, 2025", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "dated_aliases": [ { "name": "Meta AI shopping research (test)", "from": "2026-03", "to": "" }, { "name": "Hatch (reported codename)", "from": "2026-05", "to": "" }, { "name": "Muse (reported)", "from": "2026-09", "to": "" } ], "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "not stated", "account_eligibility": "not stated", "discovery_source": "model-generated suggestions (reported)", "checkout_location": "mixed", "payment_path": "not stated", "merchant_of_record": "not stated", "fulfilment_service_owner": "not stated", "functions": { "A": "conditional", "B": "not stated", "C": "announced/planned", "D": "not found within stated search", "E": "not stated" }, "human_approvals": "announced/planned (approval card, low-authority report)", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "not stated", "announced": "not stated", "available": "not stated", "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "Only secondary/low-authority evidence; inclusion provisional per BRIEF §4", "unverified_fields": [ "all fields" ], "route_id": "R-META-AI", "route_role": "consumer route", "operator": "Meta", "product": "Meta AI shopping research / Muse shopping / Instagram shopping agent (reported)", "cohort": "consumer-assistant", "consumer_surface": "Meta AI web (test, reported); Instagram (planned, reported); glasses (reported)", "merchant_platform": "not stated", "countries": "US (test, reported)", "claim_ids": [ "RTB-C013", "RTB-C014", "RTB-C015", "RTB-C038" ], "source_ids": [ "RTB-S016", "RTB-S017", "RTB-S018", "RTB-S019", "RTB-S020", "PRO-S001" ], "stream": "RTB", "history": [], "core": false, "census_note": "Reported tests only", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "dated_aliases": [], "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "not stated", "account_eligibility": "not stated", "discovery_source": "Walmart catalog; sponsored placements reported (not assessed)", "checkout_location": "marketplace", "payment_path": "not stated", "merchant_of_record": "conditional (Walmart 1P or Marketplace seller)", "fulfilment_service_owner": "conditional", "functions": { "A": "not assessed", "B": "not assessed", "C": "not assessed", "D": "not found within stated search", "E": "not assessed" }, "human_approvals": "not stated", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "not stated", "announced": "not stated", "available": "not stated", "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "Vendor engagement/AOV claims only", "unverified_fields": [ "functions", "launch date" ], "route_id": "R-WMT-SPARKY", "route_role": "consumer route", "operator": "Walmart", "product": "Sparky (in Walmart app/site)", "cohort": "merchant-owned-agent", "consumer_surface": "Walmart app, Walmart.com", "merchant_platform": "Walmart (retailer + marketplace)", "countries": "US", "claim_ids": [ "RTB-C020" ], "source_ids": [ "RTB-S025", "RTB-S026" ], "stream": "RTB", "history": [], "core": false, "census_note": "Merchant-owned assistant in Walmart’s own app", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "dated_aliases": [ { "name": "Walmart via ChatGPT Instant Checkout", "from": "2025-10", "to": "2026-03-18" }, { "name": "Sparky in ChatGPT", "from": "2026-03", "to": "" } ], "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "not stated", "account_eligibility": "conditional (linked Walmart account; subscriber tiers first, reported)", "discovery_source": "not stated", "checkout_location": "not stated", "payment_path": "not stated", "merchant_of_record": "not stated", "fulfilment_service_owner": "not stated", "functions": { "A": "not assessed", "B": "not assessed", "C": "not assessed", "D": "not found within stated search", "E": "not assessed" }, "human_approvals": "not stated", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "not stated", "announced": "2025-10; 2026-03-18", "available": "not stated", "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "All evidence secondary", "unverified_fields": [ "checkout location after Mar 2026", "eligibility tiers" ], "route_id": "R-WMT-CHATGPT", "route_role": "consumer route", "operator": "Walmart with OpenAI", "product": "Walmart in ChatGPT (Instant Checkout → Sparky app in ChatGPT)", "cohort": "merchant-owned-agent", "consumer_surface": "ChatGPT", "merchant_platform": "Walmart", "countries": "US", "claim_ids": [ "RTB-C017", "RTB-C018", "RTB-C019" ], "source_ids": [ "RTA-S012", "RTB-S023", "RTB-S024", "RTB-S025" ], "stream": "RTB", "history": [], "core": false, "census_note": "Same route as R-OAI-APP-WMT (recorded by two streams); kept for its sources", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "dated_aliases": [], "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "not stated", "account_eligibility": "not stated", "discovery_source": "not stated", "checkout_location": "not stated", "payment_path": "not stated (Google Pay per single secondary source)", "merchant_of_record": "not stated", "fulfilment_service_owner": "not stated", "functions": { "A": "announced/planned", "B": "announced/planned", "C": "announced/planned", "D": "not found within stated search", "E": "not stated" }, "human_approvals": "not stated", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "not stated", "announced": "2026-01-11", "available": "not found within stated search", "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "", "unverified_fields": [ "launch", "payment_path" ], "route_id": "R-WMT-GEMINI", "route_role": "consumer route", "operator": "Walmart with Google", "product": "Walmart experience in Gemini app", "cohort": "merchant-owned-agent", "consumer_surface": "Gemini app", "merchant_platform": "Walmart; UCP", "countries": "US first (announced)", "claim_ids": [ "RTB-C016", "RTB-C021" ], "source_ids": [ "RTB-S021", "RTB-S023", "RTB-S026" ], "stream": "RTB", "history": [], "core": false, "census_note": "Announced 11 Jan 2026; launch not confirmed", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "dated_aliases": [], "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "not stated", "account_eligibility": "not stated", "discovery_source": "Shopify Catalog (documented present as a Catalog channel on Agentic plan page)", "checkout_location": "not stated", "payment_path": "not stated", "merchant_of_record": "not stated", "fulfilment_service_owner": "not stated", "functions": { "A": "not assessed", "B": "not assessed", "C": "not assessed", "D": "not assessed", "E": "not assessed" }, "human_approvals": "not stated", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "not found within stated search", "announced": "not stated", "available": "not stated", "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "No shopper-facing AI assistant in Shop app found in two searches; Shop app documented only as a Catalog sales channel", "unverified_fields": [ "all fields" ], "route_id": "R-SHOP-APP", "route_role": "consumer route", "operator": "Shopify", "product": "Shop app", "cohort": "marketplace-assistant", "consumer_surface": "Shop app", "merchant_platform": "Shopify", "countries": "not found within stated search", "claim_ids": [ "RTB-C206", "RTB-C209" ], "source_ids": [ "RTB-S202" ], "stream": "RTB", "history": [ { "field": "countries", "from": "not assessed", "to": "not found within stated search", "by": "RTB-2", "note": "Pass-1 'not assessed' replaced: searched in pass 2, assistant not found within stated search" }, { "field": "release_stage", "from": "not stated", "to": "not found within stated search", "by": "RTB-2", "note": "Pass-1 'not assessed' replaced: searched in pass 2, assistant not found within stated search" }, { "field": "discovery_source", "from": "not stated", "to": "Shopify Catalog (documented present as a Catalog channel on Agentic plan page)", "by": "RTB-2", "note": "Pass-1 'not assessed' replaced: searched in pass 2, assistant not found within stated search" }, { "field": "constraints", "from": "Not researched in this run: shared web-search budget exhausted before Shop app queries", "to": "No shopper-facing AI assistant in Shop app found in two searches; Shop app documented only as a Catalog sales channel", "by": "RTB-2", "note": "Pass-1 'not assessed' replaced: searched in pass 2, assistant not found within stated search" }, { "field": "supersedes_note", "from": null, "to": "Pass-1 'not assessed' replaced: searched in pass 2, assistant not found within stated search", "by": "RTB-2", "note": "Pass-1 'not assessed' replaced: searched in pass 2, assistant not found within stated search" } ], "supersedes_note": "Pass-1 'not assessed' replaced: searched in pass 2, assistant not found within stated search", "core": false, "census_note": "No shopper-facing assistant found", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "dated_aliases": [], "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "conditional: reported in-app browser on mobile, new tab on desktop for ChatGPT (secondary only)", "account_eligibility": "conditional (Shopify discretion; Catalog-eligible products; store policies)", "discovery_source": "Shopify Catalog", "checkout_location": "mixed: ChatGPT merchant-site handoff (secondary); Copilot embedded checkout (announced); Google AI Mode/Gemini via UCP for select brands", "payment_path": "Shopify Checkout / Shopify Payments; Agentic plan card rates from 2.9% + 30¢ (primary, search-level)", "merchant_of_record": "not stated", "fulfilment_service_owner": "not stated", "functions": { "A": "not applicable", "B": "not applicable", "C": "not applicable", "D": "not applicable", "E": "not applicable" }, "human_approvals": "not stated", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "conditional: ChatGPT/Copilot/AI Mode/Gemini per Mar 2026 post; Google 'select brands' (Jan 2026); Perplexity unresolved", "announced": "2026-03-24", "available": "2026-03-24 (attributed 'starting this week')", "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "Fees: Shopify Payments 2.9%+30¢ Basic etc. (reported); per-channel agentic fee not published; OpenAI 4% (Jan 2026 report) for Instant Checkout", "unverified_fields": [ "mobile/desktop handoff (primary)", "country list", "fees", "device_channel", "countries", "Perplexity channel status", "per-channel fees" ], "route_id": "R-INFRA-SHOPIFY", "route_role": "merchant infrastructure (enables routes)", "operator": "Shopify", "product": "Agentic Storefronts, Shopify Catalog, Agentic plan, UCP/MCP endpoints", "cohort": "not applicable", "consumer_surface": "not applicable (ChatGPT, Copilot, Google AI Mode, Gemini as downstream surfaces)", "merchant_platform": "Shopify", "countries": "conditional (secondary: merchants selling to US buyers for ChatGPT/Copilot; select US merchants for Google)", "claim_ids": [ "RTB-C022", "RTB-C023", "RTB-C024", "RTB-C025", "RTB-C026", "RTB-C027", "RTB-C028", "RTB-C029", "RTB-C201", "RTB-C202", "RTB-C203", "RTB-C204", "RTB-C206", "RTB-C207", "RTB-C208" ], "source_ids": [ "RTA-S041", "PAY-S021", "RTB-S029", "RTB-S030", "PAY-S022", "RTB-S032", "RTB-S033", "RTB-S034", "RTB-S201", "RTB-S202", "RTB-S205", "RTA-S306" ], "stream": "RTB", "history": [ { "field": "device_channel", "from": "ChatGPT: mobile in-app browser; desktop new tab (reported)", "to": "conditional: reported in-app browser on mobile, new tab on desktop for ChatGPT (secondary only)", "by": "RTB-2", "note": "Adds per-channel detail; mobile/desktop split still secondary only" }, { "field": "checkout_location", "from": "mixed", "to": "mixed: ChatGPT merchant-site handoff (secondary); Copilot embedded checkout (announced); Google AI Mode/Gemini via UCP for select brands", "by": "RTB-2", "note": "Adds per-channel detail; mobile/desktop split still secondary only" }, { "field": "payment_path", "from": "merchant Shopify checkout (ChatGPT handoff, reported); in-channel for some surfaces (reported)", "to": "Shopify Checkout / Shopify Payments; Agentic plan card rates from 2.9% + 30¢ (primary, search-level)", "by": "RTB-2", "note": "Adds per-channel detail; mobile/desktop split still secondary only" }, { "field": "release_stage", "from": "not stated", "to": "conditional: ChatGPT/Copilot/AI Mode/Gemini per Mar 2026 post; Google 'select brands' (Jan 2026); Perplexity unresolved", "by": "RTB-2", "note": "Adds per-channel detail; mobile/desktop split still secondary only" }, { "field": "supersedes_note", "from": null, "to": "Adds per-channel detail; mobile/desktop split still secondary only", "by": "RTB-2", "note": "Adds per-channel detail; mobile/desktop split still secondary only" } ], "supersedes_note": "Adds per-channel detail; mobile/desktop split still secondary only", "core": false, "census_note": "Merchant infrastructure, not a consumer route", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "dated_aliases": [], "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "not stated", "account_eligibility": "not stated", "discovery_source": "not stated", "checkout_location": "not stated", "payment_path": "Stripe (announced for ChatGPT)", "merchant_of_record": "announced/planned (merchant retains orders/payments)", "fulfilment_service_owner": "not stated", "functions": { "A": "not applicable", "B": "not applicable", "C": "not applicable", "D": "not applicable", "E": "not applicable" }, "human_approvals": "not stated", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "announced", "announced": "2025-10", "available": "not found within stated search", "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "No GA evidence for ChatGPT integration found", "unverified_fields": [ "availability" ], "route_id": "R-INFRA-SFCC", "route_role": "merchant infrastructure (enables routes)", "operator": "Salesforce", "product": "Agentforce Commerce", "cohort": "not applicable", "consumer_surface": "not applicable (ChatGPT announced; TikTok partner named)", "merchant_platform": "Salesforce Commerce Cloud", "claim_ids": [ "RTB-C032", "RTB-C004" ], "source_ids": [ "RTB-S036", "RTB-S037" ], "stream": "RTB", "history": [], "core": false, "census_note": "Merchant infrastructure", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "dated_aliases": [], "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "not stated", "account_eligibility": "not stated", "discovery_source": "not stated", "checkout_location": "conditional (Gemini via UCP)", "payment_path": "merchant PSP (Adyen, Stripe, CyberSource, Worldpay Access)", "merchant_of_record": "merchant (attributed)", "fulfilment_service_owner": "not stated", "functions": { "A": "not applicable", "B": "not applicable", "C": "not applicable", "D": "not applicable", "E": "not applicable" }, "human_approvals": "not stated", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "generally available", "announced": "2025-05 (AI Hub launch, reported)", "available": "2026-07-30", "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "Release notes search-level only", "unverified_fields": [ "countries" ], "route_id": "R-INFRA-CT", "route_role": "merchant infrastructure (enables routes)", "operator": "commercetools", "product": "AI Hub", "cohort": "not applicable", "consumer_surface": "not applicable (Gemini checkout; ChatGPT discovery only)", "merchant_platform": "commercetools", "claim_ids": [ "RTB-C033", "RTB-C034" ], "source_ids": [ "RTB-S038" ], "stream": "RTB", "history": [], "core": false, "census_note": "Merchant infrastructure", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "dated_aliases": [], "language": "not stated", "device_channel": "not stated", "account_eligibility": "not stated", "discovery_source": "not stated", "checkout_location": "not stated", "payment_path": "not stated", "merchant_of_record": "not stated", "fulfilment_service_owner": "not stated", "functions": { "A": "not applicable", "B": "not applicable", "C": "not applicable", "D": "not applicable", "E": "not applicable" }, "human_approvals": "not stated", "permission_limits": "not stated", "stock_price_checks": "not stated", "substitution_behaviour": "not stated", "release_stage": "not stated", "announced": "2026-02-18; 2026-04", "available": "not found within stated search", "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "LLM Optimizer is merchant optimisation, restricted access", "unverified_fields": [ "availability of agentic checkout" ], "route_id": "R-INFRA-ADOBE", "route_role": "merchant infrastructure (enables routes)", "operator": "Adobe", "product": "Adobe Commerce (MCP Server, Developer Agent, LLM Optimizer integration)", "cohort": "not applicable", "consumer_surface": "not applicable", "merchant_platform": "Adobe Commerce", "claim_ids": [ "RTB-C035", "RTB-C036", "RTB-C037" ], "source_ids": [ "RTB-S039", "RTB-S040", "RTB-S041", "RTB-S042" ], "stream": "RTB", "history": [], "core": false, "census_note": "Merchant infrastructure", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "route_id": "R-ETSY-CHATGPT", "operator": "Etsy / OpenAI", "product": "Etsy in ChatGPT (Instant Checkout)", "cohort": "consumer-assistant", "consumer_surface": "ChatGPT", "merchant_platform": "Etsy", "countries": "US (2025 launch, secondary)", "device_channel": "not stated", "account_eligibility": "all ChatGPT tiers at 2025 launch (secondary)", "checkout_location": "in-surface (Sep 2025; status at cutoff not found within stated search)", "merchant_of_record": "merchant (secondary, 2025)", "fulfilment_service_owner": "Etsy sellers (secondary)", "release_stage": "not stated", "announced": "2025-09", "available": "not found within stated search (at cutoff)", "functions": { "A": "not assessed", "B": "not assessed", "C": "not assessed", "D": "not assessed", "E": "not assessed" }, "claim_ids": [ "RTB-C210", "RTB-C211" ], "source_ids": [ "RTB-S208" ], "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "unverified_fields": [ "all fields at cutoff" ], "supersedes_note": "New route: historical launch only; do not carry forward", "stream": "RTB-2", "history": [], "core": false, "census_note": "Historical Instant Checkout merchant (Sept 2025)", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "route_id": "R-TGT-CHATGPT", "operator": "Target", "product": "Target in ChatGPT", "cohort": "consumer-assistant", "consumer_surface": "ChatGPT", "checkout_location": "not found within stated search", "release_stage": "not found within stated search", "claim_ids": [ "RTB-C212" ], "source_ids": [], "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "unverified_fields": [ "all fields" ], "supersedes_note": "New route placeholder: searched, nothing found", "stream": "RTB-2", "history": [], "core": false, "census_note": "Not found within stated search", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "route_id": "R-INSTACART-CHATGPT", "operator": "Instacart / OpenAI", "product": "Instacart app in ChatGPT", "cohort": "consumer-assistant", "consumer_surface": "ChatGPT (desktop, mobile web; native apps rolling out at launch)", "merchant_platform": "Instacart (1,800+ retailers)", "countries": "US (implied; not stated in snippets)", "device_channel": "desktop and mobile web at launch; native iOS/Android Instant Checkout 'coming weeks' (secondary)", "checkout_location": "in-surface (Dec 2025); status at cutoff not found within stated search", "payment_path": "Stripe; cards at launch, wallets to follow", "merchant_of_record": "not stated", "fulfilment_service_owner": "Instacart", "release_stage": "not stated", "announced": "2025-12-08", "available": "2025-12-08 (desktop/mobile web, per secondary)", "functions": { "A": "not assessed", "B": "not assessed", "C": "not assessed", "D": "not assessed", "E": "not assessed" }, "claim_ids": [ "RTB-C213", "RTB-C214", "RTB-C215" ], "source_ids": [ "RTB-S209", "RTB-S210", "RTB-S211", "RTB-S212" ], "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "unverified_fields": [ "checkout_location at cutoff", "countries", "merchant_of_record" ], "supersedes_note": "New route", "stream": "RTB-2", "history": [], "core": false, "census_note": "Merchant app in ChatGPT; checkout location at the cutoff not found", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "route_id": "R-KR-ASSIST", "operator": "Kroger (Google Cloud Gemini Enterprise for CX)", "product": "Kroger Shopping assistant / Meal assistant", "cohort": "merchant-owned-agent", "consumer_surface": "Kroger digital channels (not stated in detail)", "countries": "US", "checkout_location": "not stated", "release_stage": "announced/planned", "announced": "2026-01-11", "available": "not found within stated search", "claim_ids": [ "RTB-C216" ], "source_ids": [ "RTB-S213", "RTB-S214" ], "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "unverified_fields": [ "available", "checkout_location", "device_channel" ], "supersedes_note": "New route; Kroger in ChatGPT/Gemini app not found", "stream": "RTB-2", "history": [], "core": false, "census_note": "Merchant-owned agent, announced", "observation_status": "not assessed" }, { "route_id": "R-ALI-QWEN", "operator": "Alibaba", "product": "Qwen app linked to Taobao/Alipay/Fliggy/Amap", "cohort": "consumer-assistant", "consumer_surface": "Qwen app", "merchant_platform": "Taobao/Tmall and other Alibaba services", "countries": "China", "checkout_location": "in-surface (mainly food delivery at Jan 2026; broader categories being integrated)", "payment_path": "Alipay (implied by integration; not stated per order)", "release_stage": "preview (public testing, Jan 2026)", "announced": "2026-01-15", "available": "2026-01 public testing (secondary)", "functions": { "A": "not assessed", "B": "not assessed", "C": "not assessed", "D": "not assessed", "E": "not assessed" }, "claim_ids": [ "RTB-C222", "RTB-C223", "RTB-C224", "RTB-C225" ], "source_ids": [ "RTB-S220", "RTB-S221", "RTB-S222" ], "date_checked": "2026-10-09", "last_stage_observed": "not assessed", "constraints": "No post-Mar 2026 status found", "unverified_fields": [ "status at cutoff", "payment_path", "merchant_of_record" ], "supersedes_note": "New contrast route", "stream": "RTB-2", "history": [], "core": false, "census_note": "China contrast case, not in the US-first comparison", "observation_status": "not assessed" } ]