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Amazon launched<\/a> a new AI-powered feature on Tuesday that allows users to ask questions about products and receive conversational audio responses generated in real time. The responses are delivered by what the company calls \u201cAI-powered shopping experts,\u201d which present information in a natural, discussion-style format.<\/p>\n The new \u201cJoin the chat\u201d feature aims to save customers time by providing key product details without requiring them to scroll through lengthy descriptions or reviews. The AI pulls together insights about product features, customer feedback, and other relevant information. For example, shoppers can ask questions like whether a coffee maker is suited for beginners or whether a sweater feels itchy based on customer reviews.<\/p>\n Rather than giving generic answers, Amazon says the AI builds on previous responses to provide more relevant and helpful information, while also making sure not to repeat anything. This is meant to be a similar experience to speaking with a knowledgeable employee at a store.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cCustomers can ask questions and actually steer where the conversation goes. Every question they ask influences what comes next, making the experience a conversation customers can join and customize,\u201d the company writes in a blog post.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cJoin the chat\u201d is part of a broader experience called \u201cHear the highlights<\/a>,\u201d which offers short audio summaries on millions of product pages within the Amazon Shopping app. That feature began testing<\/a> last May and is currently available in the U.S. However, only select products have audio summaries.<\/p>\n To use the feature, customers open a product page in the app and tap the \u201cHear the highlights\u201d button, located below the product image. From there, they can listen to a brief overview or tap the \u201cJoin the chat\u201d icon to ask specific questions via text or voice. The audio can continue playing even as users browse.<\/p>\n The new capability builds on Amazon\u2019s growing lineup of AI-driven shopping tools. These include Rufus<\/a>, its generative AI assistant that helps customers research products and compare options, Interests<\/a>, which continuously tracks and surfaces new items aligned with a shopper\u2019s preferences, and \u201cHelp me decide<\/a>,\u201d which suggests products based on a person\u2019s searches, browsing, and shopping history.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission<\/a>. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/em><\/p>\n