Google I/O 2026: Alphabet kicked off the conference with a major AI push for everyday tools—new conversational upgrades in Search and YouTube, plus Workspace features like Gmail Live and Docs Live. The headline for shoppers: Universal Cart, an AI-powered “agentic hub” that can track deals, price history, and restocks across Google services, and is moving toward agent-assisted payments. Retail & consumer value: Asda is refreshing stores and expanding fresh/frozen ranges to win back customers, while Whole Foods opens a new Jacksonville location with heavy local sourcing. Home & travel deals: Valuecom launched a Summer Home Shopping Deals Hub, and Lake.com rolled out a best-rate guarantee for waterfront stays. Business expansion: Academy Sports + Outdoors added three stores, and Axis Portable Air opened a new Burbank location for faster HVAC rentals. Tech in construction: Trunk Tools integrated with Autodesk Forma to streamline document-heavy workflows. Policy & regulation: China issued interim rules for anthropomorphic AI interaction services, effective July 15.