You'll soon be able to text Alexa to shop on Amazon
The latest Alexa for shopping feature is initially available by invite in the US.
Amazon has introduced a new feature for its Alexa AI, allowing users to text the virtual assistant to shop on the Amazon platform. This new shopping service is currently available to select customers in the US by invitation, with a wider rollout planned for future weeks. The feature enables users to send shopping requests via text message, making the process more convenient than before. Users can request grocery orders, search for gifts, and reorder items they are running low on.
In addition to text prompts, Alexa can also respond to photo attachments, scanning stores for product matches. Once a match is found, Alexa will suggest items and add approved products to the user's shopping cart, completing the order on their behalf. Over time, Amazon expects Alexa to provide more personalized recommendations based on users' shopping habits and preferences.
Users can also set up text-based alerts for products they are interested in, notifying them when the items go on sale. The feature allows users to view the pricing history of an item for up to a full year. If an item is part of an upcoming delivery, users can text Alexa to check the order status. Requests made via this feature are carried over to the Amazon Shopping app and website, allowing users to research further if needed.
To try out the new feature, Amazon is inviting users to sign up through a link, requiring them to provide their phone number. Once accepted, users will see "Alexa Shopping" in their contacts, ready to start texting their shopping requests.
Written by urgent.news from Engadget's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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