Amazon is adding a host of new features to its next-generation, productive AI-powered voice assistant, Alexa+, designed to encourage users to shop more. The company is taking the shopping functions already present in the original Alexa to the next level with this latest iteration, reinforcing the assistant’s commercial role.
Alexa+ users are delighted with these new features
The most notable is the price tracking and automatic ordering feature. Users tell Alexa+ which product they want and the maximum price they are willing to pay for it.
As soon as the price drops below that, Alexa+ automatically places the order using the user’s default payment method and delivery address. This opportunity tracking tool monitors not only products identified by voice command but also items in users’ carts and wish lists. However, users should remember to disable this feature during extended out-of-town trips.
Another feature that Alexa+ users can start using today is the Shopping Essentials tool, available on Echo Show 15 and Echo Show 21 devices. This feature allows users to track their orders in real time, view their recent orders, household items that may need reordering, saved items, and shopping lists all on one screen.
Tap the screen to learn more about products, update the cart, and complete the purchase. Currently, this tool can be accessed via voice commands such as “Open Shopping Essentials” or “Alexa, where are my items?”, but an option to add it as a widget to the Echo Show home screen will be coming soon.
Additionally, Alexa+ offers personalized product recommendations when users share details about a specific occasion or the recipient of a gift. This is a useful tool for those who haven’t finished their gift shopping yet. Another convenience is the option to add extra items to the order just before it leaves the Amazon warehouse.
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