Perplexity is enhancing its AI shopping feature in preparation for the upcoming holiday season, similar to initiatives by OpenAI and Google. This new AI-powered shopping tool, currently available for users in the United States, allows individuals to type in specific product queries and refine their searches through follow-up questions. Results are presented as product cards that include specifications and reviews, with the option to purchase directly through Perplexity from merchants that accept PayPal.
The AI assistant is designed to retain information from previous interactions to improve recommendations. For example, if a user requests a jacket suitable for ferry commutes in the San Francisco Bay area, the system will recall this context for future suggestions, such as a pair of boots. The platform is currently accessible on desktop and web, with mobile access expected on iOS and Android within weeks.
Perplexity’s “Instant Buy” collaboration with PayPal aims to help merchants maintain customer relationships similar to traditional retail environments. This initiative may address concerns described as the “DoorDash problem,” which relates to the integration of AI agents in commerce.
In its announcements, Perplexity critiques traditional search interfaces for lacking effective exploration and points out that some editorial platforms may prioritize affiliate revenue over accurately matching users with preferred products. Perplexity emphasizes that online shopping has become overly focused on quick transactions, rather than the enjoyment of the shopping experience itself. The company positions its AI assistants as tools that comprehend user intent and preferences, functioning as extensions of a user’s own approach to shopping tasks.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/829019/perplexity-ai-personal-shopper-paypal