Amazon introduces text-based Alexa shopping for US customers

AI · First reported 6 Nov, 14:00 · Updated 14:22

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Amazon is beginning an invite-only US rollout of Alexa for Shopping over text messages, with a broader launch planned in the coming weeks. The assistant can help users find and compare products, track deals, and complete purchases.

Amazon is offering the text-based service to a small group of invited customers in the US, with a wider rollout expected in the coming weeks.
Users can describe products or provide a sample image; Alexa can help research and compare items and complete purchases on their behalf.
Amazon says Alexa can also track deals and price drops. The feature includes an approval step before purchases are made.
The rollout comes as Amazon has restricted access to its marketplace by outside AI shopping agents; a legal dispute involving Perplexity's agent remains ongoing.

Summary written by Lux AI from 3 articles

Key facts

Initial availability: A small group of invited US customers
Broader rollout: Expected in the coming weeks
Shopping functions: Product research and comparison, deal tracking, and purchases by text
Purchase approval: Amazon says an approval step is included