Smarter Shopping With AI
PayPal is rolling out new features for its Honey browser extension, aiming to make online shopping faster and more personalized. The update integrates Honey directly with AI chatbots like ChatGPT, allowing shoppers to get product suggestions, real-time pricing, and deals inside their AI assistant.
Filling in the Gaps
One standout feature is Honey’s ability to surface additional merchant options if the AI misses major retailers. This ensures users get a fuller picture when comparing products and prices.
AI-Agnostic, Starting With ChatGPT
PayPal says the new system is AI-agnostic, designed to work with multiple platforms. However, ChatGPT is the first integration, with more AI assistants expected to be added soon.
Part of PayPal’s Bigger AI Push
This launch is part of PayPal’s wider agentic commerce strategy, which includes:
- Agent Toolkit for developers
- Remote MCP server
- Perks like free access to Perplexity Premium and the Comet browser
Competition Is Heating Up
PayPal isn’t alone in this space. OpenAI recently announced its own AI shopping system with “Instant Checkout,” currently supporting Etsy and soon Shopify. This puts AI providers in direct competition with Honey, as shoppers may begin starting their search inside AI platforms instead of Amazon or traditional marketplaces.
ALSO SEE: DeepSeek AI: The Chinese Chatbot Disrupting Big Tech
A Fresh Chapter After Controversy
Honey has faced criticism lately, including lawsuits over claims it unfairly took credit for influencer-driven sales. With these new AI features, PayPal is clearly signaling its shift toward AI-first shopping experiences.
What This Means for Shoppers
For consumers, the integration promises:
- Smarter, more personalized product recommendations
- Real-time pricing and deal discovery
- Fewer clicks between search and purchase
For merchants, it opens new opportunities to capture customers directly through AI-driven channels.
Sources ( Techcrunch )
