Amazon kicked the home virtual assistant trend into overdrive a year ago when it launched the first Echo. Since then, Alexa—the voice service powering the device—has become increasingly intelligent as the company gives it new skills.
It’s latest skill is possibly its latest surprising, as Amazon has now given Alexa the ability to order over a million new products from Amazon, even if the customer has never ordered that product before.
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Before now, Amazon Echo owners had to have ordered a product from the online retailer at least once before in order for Alexa to be able to place an order. Starting today, customers will now be able to order hundreds of thousands of products for the first time with Alexa, as long as it’s a Prime-eligible item.
Let’s say you’re looking for a can opener and you aren’t really particular about which one you receive. Simply say, “Alexa, order a can opener,” and Alexa will proceed to suggest a product and give you a price. Say “yes” and the order will be on its way, without you ever having to open up a laptop or power on a tablet.
The ability to buy even more things on Amazon might not be the best reason to buy an Amazon Echo on Amazon, but if you were planning to pick one up anyway, you’re going to receive an even smarter assistant than you expected.
You can pick up the original Amazon Echo for $179.99, the Amazon Tap for $129.99, or the Echo Dot for $89.99 through Alexa Voice Shopping.
