Ahead of Times – Issue #1

Google and OpenAI Take the Next Step Toward Agentic eCommerce 

Both Google and OpenAI have recently announced a step forward in agentic e-commerce, bringing us closer to a world where AI agents can make purchases on our behalf. Google has launched the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2), an open standard for agent-enabled payments that allows AI systems to complete transactions securely. The initiative has strong industry backing from Mastercard, PayPal, American Express and other major players in the payments ecosystem. Just a week later, OpenAI followed with its own announcement — the “Buy it in ChatGPT” or “Instant Checkout” feature, currently available only in the U.S. This lets users purchase products directly within ChatGPT through integrations with Etsy, with Shopify expected to follow soon. Behind the scenes, OpenAI has also released the Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP), a new standard designed to let AI agents execute purchases safely and transparently.

What it means for you:  

This will change how e-commerce works, with purchases made by AI agents — buying things for you, even when you’re not present. These new protocols aim to make the process smoother, cut down on fraud, and let AI agents complete purchases safely on your behalf. But even though more people now use AI to find and compare products, many still feel uncomfortable giving it full control over their money. Studies show that trust and control are still big barriers to letting AI handle purchases.  

Meta Advances Display Smart Glasses While Apple Evolves AirPods Lineup 

Apple unveiled the new AirPods Pro 3 with real-time translation powered by Apple Intelligence. They can translate speech instantly across calls and face-to-face conversations, positioning AirPods as communication and productivity tools, not just headphones. Meanwhile, Meta introduced the Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, paired with a neural wristband that lets you control functions with subtle finger movements, aiming to make AI interaction more seamless and natural.

What it means for you:  

AI is moving directly into the devices we use every day. Apple’s new AirPods with built-in translation could make travel, work with global teams, and accessibility much easier. At the same time, Meta’s display glasses put directions, translations, music, and even photo and video capture right in front of your eyes. Both show how tech firms are competing to make AI feel more natural and useful in daily life. 

The AI browser race begins: Google’s smarter Chrome vs OpenAI’s next big move 

Google is rolling out new AI features in Chrome in the U.S. (and they should reach the UK soon). The update puts a smarter AI assistant directly inside your browser — helping you across tabs, answering questions from the address bar, automating tasks, and keeping you safer online. New capabilities include page summaries, cross-tab comparisons, conversational search (AI Mode included in the search bar), stronger fraud protection, and soon ‘agentic browsing’, where Chrome will be able to handle multi-step tasks like booking tickets.

Meanwhile, OpenAI is developing its own AI-powered browser with similar agentic features, announced back in July and still in progress. Instead of simply showing search results, this browser allows ChatGPT to take actions on the user’s behalf within a conversational interface.

What it means for you: 

Google is positioning AI as a hands-on assistant across browsing, making everyday online tasks smoother, safer and more automated. In doing so, AI is turning browsers from passive tools into active digital assistants. 

While OpenAI’s browser is still to be confirmed, this could mark a major shift — and potentially a serious threat to the dominant player, Google Chrome — by reducing its access to user data and creating direct competition between the two. 

Either way, AI browsers could significantly change how people navigate the web and how publishers receive traffic. Let’s see how this plays out! 

OpenAI Enters Jobs & Skills Market with New Platform 

OpenAI is developing a Jobs Platform and their Academy to help people gain AI skills and connect with employers. The initiative aims to certify millions in AI by 2030, working with major companies and local organisations to expand economic opportunity. However, the move may create tension with Microsoft, OpenAI’s largest investor, which also owns LinkedIn.

What it means for you: 

OpenAI is positioning itself as more than a technology provider—it wants to shape the future of work and professional networking. For individuals, this could mean easier access to AI skills and certifications; for businesses, a new channel to find AI-ready talent. 

Nvidia Invests in OpenAI, and Stargate UK Moves Forward 

Nvidia is partnering with OpenAI, committing up to £73bn in computing power and financial support. This makes Nvidia a key provider of infrastructure and AI hardware. Together with Nscale, OpenAI and Nvidia have also launched Stargate UK, a new AI programme set to run across several UK sites, including Cobalt Park in the North East’s new AI Growth Zone. The project aims to speed up scientific breakthroughs, boost productivity, and support economic growth.

What it means for you:  

This strengthens the link between hardware and AI, cutting delays and easing barriers to use. Stargate UK will host the country’s most powerful AI infrastructure onshore, keeping both data and computing within the UK. That means faster, more reliable AI services, along with new jobs and opportunities for innovation. It also gives UK industries such as healthcare, finance, and public services the tools to build and run advanced AI systems without relying on overseas infrastructure. 

Publishers Raise Concerns Over Google’s AI Summaries 

News publishers are warning that Google’s new AI overviews (AIO) are keeping readers on search pages rather than sending them through to their websites. They fear the change could further squeeze advertising revenues, which are already under pressure. DMG Media, the owner of MailOnline, Metro and other outlets, told the Competition and Markets Authority that the new feature has led to click-through rates falling by as much as 89%.

What it means for you:

If AI overviews continue to replace direct clicks to publishers, online advertising models could shift significantly. Readers may find information more quickly, but publishers risk losing visibility, ad revenue, and chances to connect with their audiences. For consumers, this could mean less free journalism online as publishers look for new ways to pay for content.