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Perplexity launches shopping tool to challenge Google and Amazon

Discover Perplexityโ€™s AI-powered shopping tool offering unbiased product suggestions, visual search, and one-click checkout for Pro subscribers.

AI startup Perplexity is making waves with its new shopping tool, designed as a โ€œone-stop solutionโ€ for researching and purchasing products. Initially available for U.S.-based Pro subscribers, the feature aims to redefine online shopping by providing a seamless and efficient experience. With plans to expand internationally, Perplexity is targeting major players like Google and Amazon while boosting its AI chatbotโ€™s appeal.

A smarter way to shop

Perplexity Shopping allows you to search and buy items across various categories. Whether building your book collection, buying gadgets for a party, or searching for home essentials, this tool simplifies the process.

The tool uses conversational AI, meaning you can type in natural queries and refine results with follow-ups like โ€œunder $100.โ€ The company shared a demonstration on X (formerly Twitter), showcasing how user-friendly the feature is.

The tool includes a one-click checkout feature to make shopping even faster. By securely saving your shipping and billing details, you can place orders directly within the app through its โ€œBuy with Proโ€ option. Orders placed this way include free shipping. If the โ€œBuy with Proโ€ feature isnโ€™t available for a product, youโ€™ll be redirected to the retailerโ€™s website to complete the transaction.

A standout feature is Snap to Shop, which lets you upload an image and receive product suggestions based on the photo. This visual search tool is handy when you donโ€™t know the exact name of the item youโ€™re looking for.

Unbiased and user-focused recommendations

Unlike other platforms, PerplexityPerplexity claims its shopping recommendations are free from sponsored influences. AI powers the results, which feature concise product details, unbiased reviews, and easy-to-read visual cards to help you make informed decisions.

โ€œWhen you ask a shopping question, youโ€™ll get precise, objective answers alongside product suggestions tailored to your needs,โ€ the San Francisco-based company explained. This approach positions Perplexity as a user-first platform in an industry often dominated by ads and paid promotions.

Advertising plans beyond shopping

Although Perplexityโ€™s shopping feature avoids sponsored content, the company recently announced that general chatbot responses for U.S. users will soon include ads. These ads will be โ€œsponsored follow-up questions and paid mediaโ€ displayed alongside chatbot answers. This move highlights the companyโ€™s broader efforts to monetise its services while continuing to enhance its features.

As Perplexity Shopping rolls out to a broader audience, it signals a shift in how AI-driven tools can compete with giants like Google and Amazon. The focus on simplicity, unbiased recommendations, and integrated features may attract users looking for a smarter, streamlined shopping experience.

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