Amazon is adding a text-based feature to Alexa for Shopping that lets customers buy products by messaging the AI assistant. Users can describe what they want to purchase and/or attach a photo of an item, after which Alexa for Shopping searches Amazon listings, replies with recommendations, and can place the order on the user’s behalf. The contact appears in a phone’s messages as “Amazon Alexa.” The addition extends the Alexa for Shopping experience that launched in May, targeting situations where texting is more convenient than opening Amazon’s app or website.
Why it matters
The feature lowers the friction of placing orders by shifting shopping into a messaging interface and supporting both text and image input to identify products.
Who should care
Amazon customers who prefer quick, text-based interactions over the app or website, as well as those tracking how retailers integrate AI assistants into the purchasing flow.