Amazon is introducing an AI shopping assistant on the search bar, powered by Alexa +

Whether you like it or notAmazon continues to put AI at the center of the shopping journey. The company he announced Wednesday “Alexa for Shopping,” its new AI assistant, powered by Alexa +.

In theory, the events will take place Rufus, its AI shopping assistant launched in 2024. According to the company, Alexa for Shopping is designed to provide voice and touch shopping experience on smartphones, tablets, and Echo Show smart displays. While Rufus focuses on helping customers find and compare products, Alexa for Shopping is designed to provide personalized recommendations and streamline shopping at Amazon and other online retailers.

Now available to US customers, Alexa for Shopping can answer anything from “What’s the best skincare for men?” to “When did I last order AA batteries?” Users can type their question into the main search bar or the dedicated Alexa for Shopping window, and Alexa will provide personalized answers, suggestions, and make shopping recommendations. The company says the assistant understands customers’ preferences, interests, and purchasing history to deliver “connected, personalized support in the way you shop” and make the assistant “more personal and helpful over time.”

Beyond answering questions, Alexa for Shopping can compare products, track prices, and repeat orders for essentials like pet food or paper towels. If you want to add something to your cart when it goes on sale, you can simply tell Alexa, “Add sunscreen to my cart if the price drops to $10.”

In addition, the assistant can also go through the Amazon market, buy other online stores and use its “Buy for Me” feature to make purchases for you, which can be seen as simple and minimal. oppositesdue to growing concern around AI autonomy and privacy.

The launch of Alexa for Shopping comes after Amazon launched its 30-minute delivery service, “Amazon Now,” in many cities of the United States, and a AI-driven innovation which generates real-time voice responses to customer queries.