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Amazon trials text-based shopping with Alexa for US customers
Amazon is testing a feature that lets customers shop with Alexa by text, describing what they need or sending a photo. Alexa searches Amazon’s listings, recommends matching products and can place an order, offering a way to shop when using the app or website is less convenient.
The service can handle requests such as weekly groceries, gift ideas and products similar to a photographed item. Alexa can remember preferences, such as a preference for vegan products, and send alerts when watched items go on sale. The feature is starting with a small group of US customers invited by text, with Amazon saying it will reach millions more in the coming weeks.
In short
- Alexa can find and order Amazon products through text messages.
- Customers can describe an item or send a photo.
- The US rollout will expand to millions in the coming weeks.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Text-based shopping could make Amazon more accessible and convenient for people who find apps or websites awkward to use, and could help customers quickly find products that fit their needs. Remembered preferences and price alerts may also save time and make routine shopping easier.
The case against
The feature could encourage more purchases by making recommendations and ordering frictionless, while giving Amazon another channel to collect information about customers’ preferences and shopping habits. A small initial trial also leaves open questions about how well recommendations will work and how clearly customers can review an order before it is placed.
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Originally published by The Verge as “Amazon will let you text Alexa your shopping list”.