AI Agents Reshape E-commerce: OpenAI vs Google vs Perplexity
The e-commerce landscape is witnessing a significant shift towards agentic commerce, driven by AI agents. OpenAI's Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP) and Google's Agent Payments Protocol (AP2) are at the forefront, sparking a battle for dominance. Meanwhile, Perplexity, an 'answer engine', is challenging both with an open strategy for transactional services.
OpenAI's ACP, open-source and easily integratable, is creating network effects and monetizing via transaction fees. It's already transforming ChatGPT into a commerce intermediary, with partnerships including Etsy and over one million Shopify merchants. OpenAI's move into Instant Checkout, integrated with ChatGPT, is redefining online transactions.
On the other hand, Google's AP2 leverages its vast product listings and data across Search, Maps, and Gmail to offer personalized commerce experiences. The protocol wars are heating up, with the winner set to define the standard for agentic payments. Perplexity, with its multi-partner strategy, is aggressively challenging both, backed by key allies in AI integration and research.
The shift is under siege, with Amazon finding itself in a defensive position, relying on its walled-garden approach and lacking checkout innovation.
The battle for agent-driven commerce is intensifying, with OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity leading the charge. The outcome will shape the future of e-commerce, with significant implications for consumers and businesses alike.
