Amazon Launches Chatbot 'Rufus' To Answer Your Shopping Questions
Amazon says its AI shopping assistant can help you find products, provide comparisons and make recommendations.
Meet Rufus, Amazon's newly launched shopping assistant powered by artificial intelligence (AI), designed to answer your shopping questions and help you buy more.
Rufus launched as a beta version on February 1 to a small subset of U.S. customers who use Amazon's mobile app. The company said it will gradually roll out the chatbot to the rest of its U.S. customers in coming weeks.
With training from Amazon's vast product catalog, user reviews, community Q&As and information from other online sources, Rufus can respond to customer questions on a range of topics related to shopping and product comparisons, Amazon said. It can also provide recommendations based on conversations with customers.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
According to Amazon, information that Rufus can provide customers with includes:
- What to look for while shopping in specific product categories. Customers can ask Rufus questions such as — “What should I consider when buying headphones?”
- Suggestions for specific occasions or purposes, answering questions or statements such as — “What do I need for cold weather golf?” or “I want to start an indoor garden.”
- Comparisons of product categories, answering questions such as — “What’s the difference between lip gloss and lip oil?”
- Recommendations based on specific customer needs, answering questions such as — “What are the best dinosaur toys for a five-year-old?"
- More details about a product while on that product's page, answering questions such as — “Is this jacket machine washable?” or “Is this cordless drill easy to hold?”
“Rufus meaningfully improves how easy it is for customers to find and discover the best products to meet their needs, integrated seamlessly into the same Amazon shopping experience they use regularly,” Amazon said in a statement.
How to use Rufus
Once you get access to the bot, you can type or speak questions into the mobile app's search bar. A chat dialog box will appear at the bottom of the screen that allows you to search or ask questions, which you can expand to see answers, tap on suggestions or ask follow-up questions.
When you're done using Rufus or if you're not interested in the bot, you can dismiss it and return to the traditional search process by swiping down to send the chatbot to the bottom of the screen.
Walmart's AR 'try-on' eyewear
The move comes as Walmart launches an augmented reality (AR) feature, Optical Virtual Try-On, which uses 3D and advanced algorithms to create a digital twin of eyewear frames. The feature allows customers to virtually "try on" more than 750 frames and purchase prescription eyewear, Walmart said in a statement.
"While the concept of virtual try-on is not new, Walmart is taking it to the next level," Walmart said. The company added that it has increased investments in AR and virtual reality (VR) technologies and that Optical Virtual Try-On expands the use of those technologies.
To use the feature, visit Walmart online or use the Walmart app and click on the "try them on" flag in the main image on the product page. You need to allow a facial scan and view the glasses "as if you were wearing them looking in the mirror," and customize the lenses that work best for you, Walmart says on its website. You also need to upload your prescription and allow a scan to capture your pupillary distance measurements.
According to the website, once you receive the online order, you can visit a Walmart Vision Center and work with an optician "to get any finishing touches."
Related Content
-
What to Do If You Plan to Make Catch-Up Contributions in 2026Under new rules, you may lose an up-front deduction but gain tax-free income once you retire.
-
If You'd Put $1,000 Into Lowe's Stock 20 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have TodayLowe's stock has delivered disappointing returns recently, but it's been a great holding for truly patient investors.
-
How to Max Out Your 401(k) in 2026 (New Limits are Higher)In 2026, the maximum contribution limits for 401(k) plans have increased, giving you an excellent shot at maximizing your retirement savings.
-
How We Manage Our Finances Together as a Married CoupleDouglas Boneparth, a certified financial planner, and his wife, Heather Boneparth, speak with Kiplinger about couples managing finances.
-
How AI Is Changing the Way Americans Spend on Live EventsAI bots are reshaping ticket prices, resale markets and how fans shop. Here's what it means for your wallet and how to get the best deals on concerts, sports and shows.
-
What Bilt Cardholders Need to Know as Wells Fargo Exits the ProgramA major shake-up in the Bilt Rewards program could affect your credit card, rent rewards and points strategy heading into 2026.
-
Where to Stash Cash as Yields Fall, According to AdvisersYour best options depend on how soon you'll need the money and your tolerance for risk.
-
Should You Use Buy Now, Pay Later Options to Finance Your Vacation?Many travel companies are letting users pay in installments. But is "buy now, pay later" a smart financial decision?
-
I'm a Financial Pro: You Really Can Make New Year's Money Resolutions That Stick (and Just Smile as Quitter's Day Goes By)The secret to keeping your New Year's financial resolutions? Just make your savings and retirement contributions 100% automatic.
-
As We Age, Embracing Our Own Self-Doubt Can Be a Gift: A Cautionary Tale About Elder Financial AbuseAn aging couple hired a company that illegally required large deposits, and then they decided to stick with the company even after an employee stole from them.
-
7 Ways to Save Money on Almost EverythingHigh prices got you down? These strategies can help you reap deep discounts on everyday spending.
