Amazon Upgrades Alexa with Auto-Buy Features

Amazon has launched a series of upgrades to its Alexa AI assistant, introducing automated shopping tools that allow users to set price thresholds for products and have the device complete purchases automatically when deals appear. The features, part of a broader Shopping Essentials interface, are rolling out in beta to users in the United States and Canada on Echo Show 15 and Echo Show 21 smart displays.

The core functionality centers on price monitoring and hands-free buying. Users can select an item from their shopping cart, wishlist, or by voice command and specify a target price. Once the product drops below that amount, Alexa notifies the user and, with prior permission, processes the order using saved payment and delivery details. For instance, if a user sets a threshold of $99 for an air purifier, Alexa can execute the purchase even overnight. This builds on earlier deal-tracking capabilities, where the assistant alerts users to price reductions without completing the transaction.

The Shopping Essentials dashboard transforms compatible Echo Show devices into centralized hubs for managing purchases. It displays real-time information on active orders, incoming deliveries,...