Amazon is broadening the reach of its AI-driven shopping assistant by enabling users to look up items and complete purchases via text. Dubbed Alexa for Shopping, this rollout offers a fresh channel to engage with the digital assistant, bypassing the need to launch the Amazon app or use an Alexa-enabled device.
To start, the functionality is rolling out exclusively to a select cohort of invited shoppers in the U.S. Over the next few weeks, Amazon intends to scale availability to millions of additional consumers in a push to broaden access to AI-enabled commerce.
Alexa Can Search, Compare and Place Orders Through Text
Participants who receive an invitation can connect their phone numbers and text with Alexa for Shopping to find items or get assistance. The tool evaluates options, delivers tailored recommendations, and populates shopping carts. When granted permission by the user, it can even finalize transactions.
Also Read: Amazon Alexa Command History: How to Review, Delete, & Manage Voice Recordings
Beyond transactions, the tool assists with everyday retail needs like ordering groceries, selecting gifts, reordering past purchases, and checking shipment updates. Shoppers can also instruct Alexa to monitor specific item prices and send alerts when price drops occur.
Per Amazon, the assistant retains user preferences and adapts to them over time to refine its recommendations. Users can, for example, share specific dietary needs or personal tastes.
Amazon Expands Its AI Shopping Strategy
This addition builds on the initial introduction of Alexa for Shopping earlier this year, which debuted on the main Amazon website and mobile application. With this latest update, those capabilities are now accessible through standard text messaging.
