Agent Commerce

Meta has introduced Muse, an AI assistant that can browse products and complete purchases on a user's behalf. According to CNBC's coverage, the tool handles the shopping and checkout process end to end, marking Meta's push into agentic AI for commerce and raising questions about how automated buying will reshape online retail.

Artificial intelligence agents are beginning to make purchases on behalf of consumers, and companies are adapting their sales strategies accordingly, the New York Times reports. Instead of pitching only to human shoppers, brands now have to win over algorithms that compare prices and features, prompting a shift in how products are marketed and presented online.

Google's Agent Payments Protocol (AP2), introduced for AI-agent-driven purchases, is drawing renewed debate in developer circles. Commenters argue AP2 standardizes how AI agents authorize and initiate payments, but does not solve settlement — the clearing of funds between parties. That still depends on existing financial rails or crypto. The discussion suggests agent commerce will need both layers working together before autonomous purchasing goes mainstream.

Meta has announced partnerships with major US retailers including Walmart and Best Buy to let its Muse AI agent complete shopping carts and checkouts directly inside the app. The feature moves Meta beyond AI-assisted search into transactional shopping, with more than 2.5 million early users reportedly testing the agent. Amazon has already blocked the bot from its marketplace, signalling friction between the two tech giants as AI agents begin handling retail purchases.