Amazon's New AI Tool Instantly Answers Product Queries

Amazon introduced a new AI tool in its mobile app that provides instant answers to product questions from customers.

A spokesperson confirmed the news, highlighting Amazon's efforts to improve the customer experience by focusing on innovation.

According to CNBC, Amazon's AI tool encourages users to ask questions about specific items, providing rapid responses by summarizing information from product reviews and listings.

Maria Boschetti, an Amazon spokesperson, noted that the feature, which uses generative AI, aims to streamline the purchasing process by promptly responding to frequently asked product questions.

This functionality intends to spare customers from navigating through extensive reviews or detailed product listings.

How does Amazon's new AI tool help customers?

Unlike OpenAI's ChatGPT, Amazon's tool does not engage in extended conversations but exhibits responsiveness to creative prompts. For instance, when asked about a women's vest, one can compose a haiku or describe the item in the distinctive style of Yoda from Star Wars. The tool is designed to stay on topic and issue an error message when faced with unrelated queries like "Who is Jeff Bezos?"

This most recent addition, which Marketplace Pulse, an e-commerce research company, first noticed, continues Amazon's trend of incorporating AI tools into its platform.

Last June, the company began testing AI-generated summaries of product reviews and introduced AI features for third-party sellers, assisting in crafting listings and generating ad photos.

Other AI services, including "Q," a chatbot for daily tasks, and Bedrock, a generative AI service for Amazon Web Services customers, have also been rolled out.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy discussed the use of generative AI for inventory forecasting and last-mile delivery routes in a recent earnings conference.

He predicted beneficial social implications and enhanced accessibility for developers and corporate users as generative AI transforms consumer experiences.

Amazon to Help Save Diamond Sports from Bankruptcy

In another move, Amazon will webcast five MLB clubs this season. Diamond Sports has received $100 million from the online retail giant to help it emerge from bankruptcy. The New York Post reported that details may be given before a Houston US bankruptcy court on Wednesday. The MLB may file a complaint, but sources say the transaction will pass.

The biggest regional sports network (RSN) in the US, Diamond Sports, broadcasts 11 MLB clubs, half of the NBA teams, and a third of the NHL teams.

Regional sports networks air about 4,500 live local professional telecasts annually, covering local sports events and programming. Diamond owns and manages 18 Bally Sports regional sports networks, which provide TV for half of the US MLB, NHL, and NBA clubs.

In addition, Diamond and Sinclair have reached a preliminary settlement of litigation, according to Variety. Diamond sued Sinclair in July 2023 for RSN business fraud, including $1.5 billion in withdrawals.

Diamond would get $495 million in cash from Sinclair and continuing management and transition services to help it reorganize and separate from Sinclair. The funds obtained through the settlement will support Diamond's reorganization plan and facilitate distributions to specific creditors.