Texting to Alexa

 Noted for using voice in specific context.   Say for the need of privacy in conversation. 

Amazon now lets you text Alexa on iOS to ask for things instead of only using your voice  By Chaim Gartenberg    in MSN.com  via Walter Riker

Amazon is testing a new feature for its iOS Alexa app: the ability to type out Alexa commands, instead of having to ask questions or requests by speaking out loud.

“Type with Alexa is a Public Preview feature available to iOS Alexa app customers allowing you to interact with Alexa without using voice, meaning everything you can currently say to Alexa can now also be typed using your Alexa mobile app. Type with Alexa is available to iOS customers in the U.S.,” said an Amazon spokesperson. ... " 

More on Wal-Mart's Jetblack

Cost seems high based on their typical clientele and benefits.  Certainly a  novel approach worthy of a test.  Customization of possible recommendations via demographic and shopping behavior is of interest.

Walmart launches members-only, text-based personal shopping service  By Marianne Wilson in ChainstoreAge

Walmart is betting that some consumers—particularly busy parents—are willing to pay a monthly fee for the ability to shop (and receive product recommendations) via text messaging.

The discounter announced the official launch of Jetblack, a members-only personal shoping service that it described as combining “the convenience of eCommerce with the customized attention of a personal assistant.” The service is now available in limited release to customers in Manhattan and part of Brooklyn.

Jetblack is the first business to launch from Walmart’s technology incubator, Store No.8, where it previously operated under wraps as “Code 8.” It is led by Jenny Fleiss, co-founder of Rent the Runway, who joined Walmart last year.

With the launch of Jetblack, Walmart has made its first foray into conversational commerce – or the ability to shop through text messaging, online chat or voice. The service lets members order everything from toiletries and household items, to toys and fashion with a text message. It will then find the right products and deliver them the same or next day for no additional charge.

“With Jetblack, we have created an entirely new concept that enables consumers to get exactly what they need through the convenience of text messaging and the freedom of a nearly unlimited product catalogue,” said Fleiss, co-founder and CEO of Jetblack. “We are confident this service will make shopping frictionless, more personalized and delightful.”

Jetblack, which will cost members $50 per month, is targeted at more affluent shoppers, specifically busy urban parents. It includes access to personal shoppers who will offer members curated shopping recommendations (based on the member’s request) sent via text. (Other benefits include free wrapping and easy returns.)  .... " 

Wal-Mart Combines Texting, Shopping with Jetblack

Note the interesting inclusion of AI to develop intelligence about what to recommend.    The resulting knowledge base could provide a starting point to better understand consumer shopping patterns and trends.   Journeys as well as choices and directions?   Quite innovative for Wal-Mart, how will it compete with Amazon? Will be following.

Walmart’s newest service brings texting and personal shopping together    In Retailwire by George Anderson  with expert comment.

Walmart announced the limited launch of a new personal shopping service, Jetblack, that combines real people and artificial intelligence to offer product recommendations for everyday staples and birthday gifts to busy customers (primarily moms) and delivers them on the same or next day at no additional charge.

The service, which is initially available in Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, is the first to launch from Walmart’s Store No. 8 technology incubator. Jetblack is being led by Jenny Fleiss, co-founder of Rent the Runway and also head of Code Eight, the first portfolio company within Store No. 8.

Jetblack is available by invitation only and charges a monthly subscription of $50 to members. It combines the expertise of professional buyers across categories, including fashion, health and wellness, home and parenting, with artificial intelligence to find the right products to recommend. It also makes use of shopper recommendations to expand the overall knowledgebase.  ... "