Weekly Prompt: Perplexity launches AI shopping tools and other news

Perplexity introduces AI-powered shopping features to compete in search market

Artificial intelligence search engine Perplexity has launched a series of shopping features to enhance its platform and challenge Google’s dominance. The new tools include visual product cards, a "Snap to Shop" feature for photo-based searches, and a one-click checkout option for Pro subscribers. These features are currently available in the United States, with plans to expand internationally at an unspecified date.

The “Buy with Pro” button, exclusive to Pro subscribers, allows seamless purchases without redirecting to merchant websites. Users can store shipping and billing details for quick transactions, with free shipping included for eligible purchases. For products not supported by this feature, users are directed to the merchant’s site to complete the purchase.

Meanwhile, all users can access updated product cards for shopping-related searches which display product images, pricing, reviews, and AI-generated summaries of key features. Another addition, the "Snap to Shop" tool, enables users to take a photo of an item for product-based queries, though this feature is currently limited to Pro subscribers.

Perplexity has integrated with Shopify to access product data from sellers and launched a Merchant Program to help sellers share detailed product information and boost visibility. Merchants also gain free API access to enhance search on their own websites.

This move comes as Perplexity faces competition from other companies expanding their AI shopping tools, such as Google, which offers features like Google Lens for visual shopping searches, and Amazon, with its AI assistant Rufus integrated into its platform.

Sources: Reuters, TechCrunch, The Verge

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