Unilever and Google Cloud have announced a five-year partnership aimed at accelerating the consumer goods giant’s digital transformation through AI, cloud infrastructure, and data modernization.

The deal centers on helping Unilever strengthen brand discovery, marketing measurement, and AI-driven customer engagement across its global portfolio, which includes Dove, Vaseline, and Hellmann’s. A major focus is the rise of conversational and agentic commerce, where consumers increasingly discover and shop for products through AI-powered interactions rather than traditional search and browsing.

As part of the agreement, Unilever will migrate its integrated data and cloud platform to Google Cloud, creating what the companies describe as an AI-first digital backbone. That system is intended to help Unilever move faster on demand generation, turn data into actionable insights, and respond more quickly to shifts in the market.

The partnership is built around three pillars:

• Agentic commerce and marketing intelligence
• An integrated data and cloud foundation
• Advanced AI adoption across the business

Unilever leadership framed the move as part of a broader shift in which technology is becoming central to value creation in the fast-moving consumer goods sector. Google Cloud said the collaboration will use advanced AI models, including Gemini, to help modernize business processes and improve agility.

Unilever said it generated €50.5 billion in sales in 2025, operates in more than 190 countries, and reaches 3.7 billion people every day.

What to watch for

• How “agentic commerce” changes consumer brand discovery
• Whether other major CPG companies follow with similar AI-cloud partnerships
• How AI-backed marketing measurement impacts ad efficiency and conversion

Source: PR Newswire / Google Cloud

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Zillow’s 20-year look at for-sale listings suggests a major shift in how Americans define the ideal home. In 2006, listings leaned into size, symmetry, and status, with McMansion-style homes featuring grand foyers, formal dining rooms, oversized primary suites, and luxury finishes meant to impress. In 2026, Zillow says buyers are focused less on square footage and more on flexibility, comfort, and how a home supports everyday life.

According to Zillow, affordability pressures are helping drive that change. New homes are getting smaller, and listings increasingly highlight spaces with a clear purpose rather than oversized layouts. Mentions of reading nooks are up 48%, while features tied to self-expression and wellness are also gaining traction. Zillow says “color drenching” is up 149% in listings, spa-inspired bathrooms are up 22%, and recreation-focused amenities like golf simulators and pickleball courts have each risen 25%.

Sustainability and climate readiness are also moving closer to the center of buyer priorities. Zillow reports that mentions of zero-energy-ready homes are up 70%, whole-home batteries are up 40%, and EV charging stations are up 25%. Climate-resilient details such as flood protection and fire resistance are increasingly being marketed as value drivers, a sharp contrast to 2006, when energy efficiency was rarely emphasized.

Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert, said the data shows American homes have shifted “from status symbols to sanctuaries.” Looking ahead, Zillow expects the next phase of home design to center on adaptability, with homes built to respond to changing family needs, lifestyles, and climate conditions.

Source: Zillow, Inc. via PR Newswire

Related:

• Zillow official website
• Zillow Research

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

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(Feature Impact) With summer heat just around the corner, homeowners may not be aware that spring can be a perfect time to prepare for rising temperatures. An outdated heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, for example, may not be up for the task of keeping a home cool.

In fact, it can end up costing homeowners more in the long term due to a gradual decline in efficiency and more frequent repairs. In addition to savings over time, there are multiple reasons to replace an aging system this spring.

In a recent survey, Carrier found more than one-quarter (26%) of homeowners don’t know the age of their HVAC system, and a slight majority (54%) don’t know the average lifespan of one. Those knowledge gaps can result in missed opportunities for long-term savings.

Aging Systems Can’t Take the Heat

Many homeowners postpone purchasing a new HVAC system until their existing system fails or they find their aging system is struggling to maintain a consistent temperature. Often, upfront costs deter homeowners from purchasing a new system; however, 8 in 10 homeowners would consider a new heating and cooling system if it paid for itself in energy savings within 5-10 years. With a new energy-efficient system, those savings are possible.

A New HVAC System is a Critical Home Investment

Modern heating and cooling systems have uses beyond heating and cooling. They can improve air quality in the home by balancing humidity levels, reducing drafts and keeping a consistent climate throughout multiple rooms and stories. They also use less energy and run more quietly than older systems, making a home quieter and more cost-effective.

HVAC Basics Many Homeowners Miss

HVAC units often go unseen, yet a home’s comfort depends on them running consistently. It’s critical that homeowners schedule annual maintenance appointments to ensure their system is running as it should and they’re aware of when it may be time to replace.

While it may seem more cost-effective to stick with an outdated system for one more season, an old system could end up prolonging issues and ultimately cost homeowners more in repairs.

Spring is an ideal time to invest in a new HVAC system, as contractors are generally more available to install a new system and homeowners can get ahead of the summer heat, ensuring they’ll be cool all season long.

Signs It’s Time to Replace

Red flags that indicate it’s time for a new HVAC system include: a system that’s more than 10-15 years old, a system that needs noticeably more repairs, energy bills going up despite usage remaining the same, inconsistent temperatures, a system struggling to maintain the desired temperature or a system that’s constantly running or seems less efficient than it used to.

Many companies offer specials during the spring and fall months, known as shoulder season. For example, until May 31, Carrier is offering 0% APR for 60 months and up to $2,100 in rebates so customers can get a jumpstart on a cool, comfortable home. A new HVAC system means more than just cool temps this summer; it means added home value, cleaner air and peace of mind.

Learn more about available rebates, tax credits and financing plans at Carrier.com or by contacting a local expert.

SOURCE:
Carrier

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today! https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner

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