TLDR
- Perplexity will launch a free AI shopping tool for U.S. users next week that lets people buy products directly from search results
- The company partnered with PayPal to enable purchases from over 5,000 merchants through its search engine
- This expands on Perplexity’s “Buy With Pro” feature that was previously only available to paid subscribers
- The new tool will better detect when users want to shop and give personalized results based on past searches
- Perplexity did not say if it will make money from purchases made through its platform
Perplexity announced on Wednesday it will roll out a free shopping tool for U.S. users next week. The artificial intelligence startup is launching the product as holiday shopping season begins.
The new feature allows users to buy products directly from search results. Dmitry Shevelenko, Perplexity’s chief business officer, told CNBC that the tool streamlines the purchase process right from the search answer.
The company has partnered with PayPal for the launch. Users will be able to purchase items from more than 5,000 merchants through Perplexity’s search engine.
Perplexity first released a shopping feature called “Buy With Pro” for paid subscribers late last year. The new free version builds on that earlier product with several improvements.
The company says the new tool is better at detecting when users want to shop. It will also deliver more personalized results by using information from previous searches.
How the Shopping Feature Works
Users can search for products on Perplexity and complete purchases without leaving the platform. The shopping function integrates directly into the search results.
Shevelenko explained that most people still want to do their own research. The tool aims to make that process simpler while allowing direct purchases.
Revenue Details Unclear
Perplexity declined to share whether it will earn money from transactions completed through its platform. Many companies take a fee or commission from sales made through their services.
Competition in AI Shopping
OpenAI announced a similar feature called Instant Checkout in September. That tool lets ChatGPT users buy items from merchants without leaving the chatbot interface.
OpenAI has said it will take a fee from purchases made through its platform. This differs from Perplexity’s approach, which has not disclosed its revenue model.
The timing of Perplexity’s launch comes as consumers increase spending for the holiday season. The free tool will be available to all U.S. users starting next week through the Perplexity search engine.
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