Google has announced its plans to launch voice-activated shopping from its artificial intelligence-powered home speaker, which analysts have suggested represents a direct response to the success of Amazon's Alexa.
The new feature can enable users to tell the speaker to order them items and get delivery from dozens of retailers who are participating in the collaboration with the US tech giants. Google Assistant product manager David Wang said it's just the start of what's possible with the Google Assistant and declared that they would continue to add new features in the forthcoming months.
"If picking up paper towels or stocking up on coffee is on your list, consider it done. To help you keep up with your busy schedule and shop for the things you need, we're introducing shopping with your Google Assistant on Google Home." The service marries in with Google's delivery arm 'Google Express' whose US retailers include Costco, Whole Foods Market, Walgreens, PetSmart, Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Consumers can add payment information to their accounts to enable voice-activated shopping, which is a feature on Amazon's devices powered by the digital assistant called Alexa. Wang added: "Today is just the beginning of what's possible for shopping with the Google Assistant. Over the coming months, we'll continue to add new features and enable purchases for other apps and service."