Alphabet receives strong backing from investors after a record demand for its 100-year bond. Google projects that by 2026, agent-mediated commerce will be a reality in an environment where artificial intelligence redefines the shopping experience and the relationship between brands and creative communities. The company aims to resolve the dilemma between quick purchases and the risk of error, or thorough research to make the right choice. Vidhya Srinivasan, Vice President and General Manager of Advertising and Commerce, detailed in her annual letter how they are transforming digital commerce for 2026. On YouTube, the goal is to enhance the connection between brands and creators, using AI to deeply analyze both content and audiences. The platform is implementing AI to instantly link brands with the most relevant creator communities. According to Srinivasan, this allows the influence of creators to translate into tangible business results for companies. Google is also integrating ads into AI experiences in search. It is currently testing a new ad format in AI Mode, allowing retailers to showcase products with a clear sponsorship indication. The Gemini 3 model, Google's most advanced, is already powering its advertising tools, improving the understanding of search intentions and advanced reasoning. Gemini boosts creativity and performance in Google Ads Asset Studio with tools like Nano Banana and Veo 3, and in search campaigns with AI Max. In 2025, resources generated by Gemini tripled, and in the last quarter alone, nearly 70 million creative assets were created in AI Max and Performance Max. Srinivasan anticipates that by 2026, agent-based commerce will be a reality, following advancements like the Agent Payment Protocol and the Universal Commerce Protocol. Payment through UCP already allows U.S. buyers to purchase products from Etsy and Wayfair directly from AI Mode. This functionality will soon be available for Shopify, Target, and Walmart. The executive emphasizes that by allowing agents to act on behalf of consumers and businesses, Google's high standards for data privacy and security ensure that speed does not compromise safety. (Source: businessinsider.es)