Amazon Tests AI Tools: 'Interests' for Shopping, 'Health AI' for Wellness GuidanceSEO Description
Image Credit: Bryan Angelo | Splash
Amazon has begun testing two new artificial intelligence tools: a shopping feature called "Interests" and a chatbot named "Health AI". These efforts reflect the company’s ongoing exploration of AI to enhance its platforms, targeting both personalized shopping and health-related services.
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Interests: Personalized Product Search
The Interests tool allows users to enter conversational prompts, such as “brewing tools and gadgets for coffee lovers”, to find products tailored to their preferences. According to Amazon’s website, the feature employs large language models to interpret these prompts and translate them into queries compatible with traditional search engines. Once processed, the system scans Amazon’s online store and alerts users to relevant new items.
At present, Interests is available to a limited number of U.S. customers through the Amazon app and mobile website. The company has indicated plans to broaden access across the country after this initial phase. The tool’s design aims to streamline product discovery by adapting to natural language, potentially offering a more intuitive alternative to standard keyword searches.
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Health AI: A Chatbot for Wellness Guidance
Separately, Amazon is trialing "Health AI", a chatbot accessible on its website, intended to provide health information and product recommendations. An Amazon spokesperson explained that the assistant is designed to assist customers in discovering and navigating healthcare products and solutions while guiding them toward appropriate care options. This marks another step in Amazon’s expansion into healthcare, following ventures like Amazon Pharmacy.
CNBC initially reported the Health AI trial, which remains in an early stage with no set date for wider availability. The chatbot’s purpose combines health-related guidance with product suggestions, aligning with Amazon’s strategy to integrate health services into its broader ecosystem, though its full scope and effectiveness are still under evaluation.
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Context from Prior AI Efforts
Amazon’s current tests follow earlier AI initiatives covered by Investopedia late last year, including a general-purpose shopping chatbot and the Haul bargain platform. These prior tools aimed to improve navigation and affordability for users.
The company’s use of AI extends beyond customer-facing features, as it also leverages such technology for internal operations like inventory management. The latest tools, however, spotlight Amazon’s focus on direct consumer interaction, potentially yielding insights into user preferences that could refine future offerings.
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A Phased Testing Strategy
Amazon is rolling out Interests and Health AI gradually, starting with small user groups. This approach allows the company to assess performance and gather feedback before committing to a nationwide launch.
Other firms in retail and technology may take note of Amazon’s progress, as these tools could influence expectations for personalization and service integration. The outcome of these tests will depend on factors like the tools’ accuracy, usability, and ability to meet user needs—details that will emerge as the trials advance.
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Source: Investopedia
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