e-commerce
Google rolls out new AI shopping tools for Indian users
Gemini, AI Mode in Search, and Circle to Search get smarter upgrades to simplify online buying.
MUMBAI: Google is making online shopping in India a lot less “add to cart” and a lot more “ask and discover”. The tech giant has announced a fresh set of artificial intelligence-powered updates designed to make finding and buying products more intuitive and efficient. By integrating its Gemini models with the Shopping Graph, a massive dataset of over 50 billion product listings that sees nearly 2 billion updates every hour, Google is bringing smarter, more conversational shopping experiences across its platforms.
Users can now move seamlessly from idea generation to product discovery within the Gemini app. Whether planning a festive outfit or building a gift list, shoppers can receive product listings, comparison tables, pricing from across the web, and direct purchase links, all through natural conversation. The feature is currently available in English and Hindi.
Google has upgraded its AI Mode in Search, turning it into a more natural shopping assistant. Instead of relying on traditional filters and keywords, users can ask questions in plain language and receive structured responses with visuals, pricing, reviews, and inventory details. Comparison tables highlighting key differences are also included. While currently available in English, a Hindi version is expected soon.
The popular Circle to Search feature has been enhanced on devices such as the Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 series. Users can now identify and explore multiple objects in a single image at once. In fashion-related queries, the tool can break down entire outfits and suggest similar products, making style replication or discovery much easier.
Google stated that these updates build on last year’s successful rollout of the Virtual Try-On tool in India, which helped users visualise apparel before purchase.
In a market where shopping decisions often happen in seconds, Google is betting that smarter AI will turn casual browsing into confident buying. From festive shopping lists to spotting the perfect outfit in a photo, these new tools aim to make every scroll feel a little more rewarding and a lot less overwhelming.
e-commerce
Instamart partners with Kalyan Jewellers for Gold Rate Protection this Akshaya Tritiya
Quick commerce platform lets customers lock in gold prices and pay the lower rate on delivery day.
MUMBAI: Instamart has found a golden way to take the stress out of festive buying by letting customers lock today’s rate and still benefit if prices fall. India’s pioneering quick commerce platform has teamed up with Kalyan Jewellers to introduce Gold Rate Protection, a first-of-its-kind feature for Akshaya Tritiya. Customers can now pre-book BIS hallmarked gold coins on the Instamart app between 10 and 16 April 2026 by paying just 5 per cent advance (starting from Rs 500 for a 0.5 gm coin) and take delivery on 19 April.
On the delivery day (between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM IST), buyers will pay the lower of the two prices, the rate locked at pre-booking or the market rate on delivery day. As an added festive bonus, all pre-book customers will receive a free silver coin from Kalyan Jewellers.
Arjun Choudhary, VP Growth at Instamart, said the feature was designed to give consumers greater confidence during the auspicious occasion. “By allowing users to secure a price in advance while still benefiting from any price drops, we strive to offer strong overall value,” he noted.
Kalyan Jewellers, executive director Ramesh Kalyanaraman added, “Gold rate protection has been a preferred feature across our retail showrooms. With Instamart, we are extending this convenience for the first time to a quick commerce platform.”
Last year, Instamart witnessed a surge of over 500 per cent in gold and silver coin sales on Akshaya Tritiya compared to Dhanteras, highlighting the growing trust in quick commerce for culturally significant purchases.
This initiative underscores Instamart’s continued push beyond everyday essentials, positioning the platform as a reliable destination for meaningful, occasion-led buys delivered with speed and trust.
This Akshaya Tritiya, Instamart and Kalyan Jewellers have made buying gold not just auspicious, but also refreshingly smart proving that even in the world of quick commerce, some things are worth the wait (and the protection).
