Amazon is introducing a way for customers to shop with its Alexa AI assistant through text messages. The feature will initially reach a select group of U.S. customers, who can use everyday language to search for products, add items to their cart and make purchases.
The messaging service builds on Alexa's shopping tools. Customers can use it to manage shopping lists, track prices, compare products, search for items and check order status. Amazon says Alexa may gradually tailor suggestions to users' preferences.
Customers who are not invited can join a waitlist, and Amazon plans to expand access in the coming weeks. Bringing shopping tasks into a simple text conversation could make AI assistants a more familiar part of everyday online purchasing.
