Imagine handing your credit card over to an AI, trusting it to snag the perfect deal. That’s the promise of the newly enhanced Alexa+, now equipped with an “auto-buy” feature designed to hunt down bargains on your behalf.
The concept is remarkably simple: grant Alexa+ permission to purchase items from Amazon using your pre-selected payment method. No more constant price checks or missed opportunities – Alexa+ will act the moment a desired price is reached.
Consider a coveted item, like a premium speaker. A quick inquiry reveals the current price is too high. But with a single command – “Alexa, put the speaker on my auto-buy list for $100” – the AI takes the reins, patiently monitoring for a price drop.
Confirmation is instant: “Perfect, your auto buy has been set up successfully.” From that moment forward, Alexa+ operates autonomously, poised to complete the purchase without further intervention when the target price is met.
Purchases made through auto-buy utilize your default payment and shipping information. A notification alerts you to the completed transaction, granting a 24-hour window to cancel if needed. Auto-buy lists remain active for 30 days, requiring renewal for continued monitoring.
This feature is undeniably clever, yet it evokes memories of past Alexa mishaps – tales of children prompting unintended purchases. The hope is that the latest AI advancements will prevent such unauthorized shopping sprees.
Beyond auto-buy, Alexa+ introduces automated deal tracking. Simply ask to be notified when a specific item falls below a certain price point. The AI will vigilantly watch and alert you when the conditions are met.
The enhanced Alexa+ also offers personalized shopping suggestions, perfect for finding gifts for loved ones. It can proactively identify potential presents based on upcoming birthdays or special occasions.
For those with Echo Show 15 or 21 devices, a new “Shopping Essentials” tool provides real-time order tracking, offering a comprehensive view of your Amazon purchases.
This represents a significant leap in smart shopping, transforming Alexa from a voice assistant into a proactive, bargain-hunting companion.
