Perplexity launches AI-powered shopping assistant with one-click checkout feature

Perplexity today unveiled its new AI-powered shopping experience, marking a significant advancement in e-commerce technology. According to the Perplexity Team, this innovative platform transforms the company into a comprehensive solution where users can both research and purchase products directly.

The launch introduces three key features that fundamentally change how users interact with online shopping. According to TechCrunch, the first major component is "Buy with Pro," a first-of-its-kind AI commerce experience exclusively available to Perplexity Pro users in the United States. This feature enables seamless checkout directly on the platform for select products from participating merchants.

A second notable feature, as stated in Perplexity's announcement, is "Snap to Shop," a visual search tool that identifies products from photographs. This technology allows users to find items even without knowing their specific names or descriptions.

The third component focuses on product discovery. According to the official release, when users pose shopping-related questions, the system provides precise, objective answers alongside easy-to-read product cards displaying relevant items and key details in a simple visual format.

One-Click Checkout System

According to the technical documentation, the checkout process integrates secure payment processing with user-friendly features. The system stores shipping and billing information through a secure portal, automatically calculates taxes based on the delivery address, and includes free shipping for Pro subscribers on qualifying purchases.

Visual Search Technology

The platform's visual search capabilities leverage advanced AI to analyze and match product images. This integration allows users to search with photos instead of text, expanding the traditional boundaries of product discovery.

Product Recommendation Engine

The recommendation system operates without sponsored placements, delivering unbiased suggestions tailored by AI. According to Perplexity's announcement, these recommendations are powered by platform integrations, including Shopify, providing access to current product information across globally operating businesses that ship to the US.

Industry context

The launch positions Perplexity as a direct competitor to established players in the e-commerce search space. According to TechCrunch, this move challenges both Google and Amazon, particularly in the realm of shopping search results.

This development arrives at a crucial time in the e-commerce industry. As detailed in the announcement, several startups including Daydream, Deft, and Remark have secured substantial venture capital funding to develop AI-powered shopping searches, indicating growing market interest in this technology.

The timing is particularly noteworthy given recent moves by major players. According to TechCrunch, Amazon recently expanded its AI assistant Rufus to multiple countries, while Google enhanced its Shopping tab with AI capabilities in October 2024.

Market evolution

The launch of Perplexity's shopping feature represents a significant shift in how AI technology is being applied to e-commerce. According to the company's announcement, this platform will expand to new markets following the U.S. launch, suggesting a phased global rollout strategy.

The company has also introduced a Merchant Program, which according to the official release, is designed to scale the shopping experience by facilitating product information sharing with large retailers. This program offers several benefits, including enhanced product visibility, payment integrations, and free API access for merchants to build their own Perplexity-powered search experiences.

Key Facts

• Launch Date: November 18, 2024
• Initial Market: United States
• Target Users: Perplexity Pro subscribers
• Key Features: One-click checkout, visual search, AI-powered recommendations
• Integration Partners: Shopify and select merchants
• Cost Structure: Free shipping on Buy with Pro orders
• Developer Access: Free API available for merchant integration
• Data Sources: Direct merchant partnerships and Shopify-powered businesses
• Competition: Google Shopping, Amazon, and AI-powered shopping startups
• Future Plans: International market expansion planned