Amazon adds text messaging for Alexa shopping orders

Amazon is expanding Alexa for Shopping with a feature that lets customers make shopping requests and place orders through text messages. The service is designed for situations in which messaging is more convenient than using Amazon’s app or website. The contact appears on a phone as “Amazon Alexa.”

Users can describe what they want to buy or send a photograph of an item. Requests can include ordering weekly groceries, getting gift suggestions, or finding products similar to something shown in a photo. The feature builds on the Alexa for Shopping experience introduced in May.

Alexa can also retain users’ shopping preferences over time. For example, the assistant may take a preference for vegan products into account when making recommendations. Customers can ask Alexa to monitor deals and prices as well, with text notifications sent when a watched item goes on sale.