Amazon has announced the introduction of a sophisticated new artificial intelligence–powered feature intended to refine and simplify the process of selecting products on its digital marketplace. This innovative addition, known as the “Help me decide” button, is being gradually integrated into both the Amazon mobile application and its mobile web platform. When a shopper browses through several comparable products—such as different versions or brands of a similar item—the platform may now present this button, inviting users to let the AI system analyze their behavior and preferences in order to recommend one optimal choice. The recommendation process relies on a combination of key factors derived from each user’s personal interaction with Amazon, including their recent browsing activity, previous searches, recorded shopping history, and identified purchasing preferences.

To illustrate how the feature operates, Amazon offers the example of someone in the market for a new camping tent. The AI tool takes into account the specific products that have captured the user’s attention—perhaps various tent models they have examined—as well as their broader shopping patterns. For instance, if the customer has previously looked at both adult and children’s sleeping bags suited for cooler climates or purchased hiking boots designed for children, the system might logically infer that the shopper requires an all-season, four-person tent that can comfortably accommodate a family and endure lower temperatures. In this way, the technology constructs a tailored recommendation based on subtle contextual cues found in the user’s digital footprint, seeking to provide a suggestion that aligns with both practical needs and personal shopping tendencies.

The “Help me decide” tool is part of a broader suite of artificial intelligence initiatives that Amazon has been steadily developing to create a more personalized, efficient, and engaging shopping experience. Over the past year, the company has unveiled several notable AI-driven features designed to support and even anticipate consumer decision-making. Among them is Rufus, an AI chatbot capable of guiding users through complex purchasing choices by answering conversational queries in real time. Amazon also released a system capable of producing AI-generated buying guides, which synthesize relevant product information into clear, concise summaries. More recently, the company introduced Lens Live AI, a tool that allows users to scan their surroundings with their smartphone camera so the AI can identify items in view and locate similar or matching products available on Amazon. Together, these initiatives signal Amazon’s ongoing investment in machine learning and data analytics to further integrate intelligent automation into everyday shopping behavior. Interestingly, despite this expanding toolkit, some users find themselves engaging most frequently with more straightforward features such as Amazon’s AI-generated review summaries, which condense large volumes of customer feedback into digestible insight.

The rollout of the new “Help me decide” button is extensive, reaching millions of U.S. users as part of Amazon’s ongoing effort to democratize access to smart shopping tools. Visually, the button will appear in the upper-right corner of the Amazon Shopping app interface or within the toolbar of a mobile web browser, typically emerging after a user has explored several comparable items. Upon selecting the button, shoppers will see a carefully curated recommendation presented by Amazon’s AI system, often accompanied by a concise yet informative rationale detailing the factors that influenced the algorithm’s choice—such as previous searches, product comparisons, or purchase trends. Additionally, the tool extends further utility by offering two alternative suggestions: a “budget pick,” designed for value-conscious customers seeking a more affordable option without compromising essential quality, and an “upgrade option,” aimed at those interested in investing in a premium version of the chosen item.

Through the introduction of features like this, Amazon continues to push the boundaries of how artificial intelligence can be used in consumer retail environments. The “Help me decide” function not only underscores the company’s commitment to personalization but also highlights its ambition to make decision-making for customers faster, smarter, and more intuitive while subtly promoting an environment where shoppers are encouraged to explore more products that align with their interests and lifestyle.

Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/805348/amazon-ai-shopping-help-me-decide