Amazon is enhancing its interaction with customers by introducing a new texting feature that allows users to engage with its Alexa AI assistant via text. This initiative, announced on Friday, aims to streamline the shopping experience, similar to capabilities offered by other AI platforms.
This development follows Amazon’s decision to restrict Meta’s Muse from accessing its site in September, signaling a strategic pivot just ahead of the busy holiday shopping period.
The e-commerce behemoth is starting to reach out to selected customers in the U.S., inviting them to activate this new shopping feature. Customers who gain access can send text messages to Alexa, utilizing natural language for various shopping tasks, which include searching for products, adding items to their cart, and completing purchases.
This new text-based feature builds on Alexa’s recent enhancements tailored for shopping. It allows users to manage their shopping lists, track prices, look for products across various sources, compare items, and keep tabs on order statuses. Additionally, users can send images of products or outfits to receive similar suggestions available on Amazon.
Over time, Alexa is expected to adapt to individual preferences, providing tailored recommendations for users.
For those who are not initially invited to utilize the feature, Amazon is offering a waitlist option. A broader rollout is anticipated in the upcoming weeks.
As the demand for consumer-facing AI agents continues to grow, major platforms like Amazon are increasingly looking to develop their own solutions to engage customers effectively. Recently, DoorDash highlighted that external agents have been responsible for only a small number of orders on its platform and indicated a focus on enhancing its own text-based assistant developed last month.
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