Amazon, planning to improve search function, has joined the ranks of tech giants experimenting with generative AI, including chatbots like ChatGPT, Google’s Bard, and Microsoft Bing Chat, which are rapidly gaining popularity. According to a Bloomberg report, Amazon has published multiple job postings for developers who can implement generative AI features to enhance the search capabilities of the Amazon shopping app.
One of the job listings indicates that Amazon is aiming to “reimagine Amazon Search with an interactive conversational experience.” Despite already offering a capable virtual assistant in the form of Alexa, the company has faced criticism over its handling of privacy-related issues.
The specific features that will be introduced to the Amazon shopping app are currently unclear, but the job vacancies mention some ambitious objectives. For example, one listing states, “We’re seeking the most talented individuals across Amazon to help us achieve and bring this vision to our customers immediately. This will be a revolutionary overhaul of the Search function, perhaps once in a generation.”
An additional job posting emphasizes that the chosen candidate will be involved in “an AI-first initiative to redesign and reimagine our approach to search by leveraging cutting-edge deep learning techniques on a massive scale.”
According to Bloomberg, Amazon spokesperson Keri Bertolino confirmed that the company is exploring generative AI tools but did not disclose any specifics about the recently advertised job postings. However, in an email, Bertolino stated, “We are making significant investments in generative AI technology across all our business units.”
The recent job listings by Amazon may upset some former employees who the company unexpectedly laid off. Amazon attributed the layoffs to its past overhiring and unfavorable macroeconomic conditions. Last year, Amazon announced plans to lay off about 27,000 employees.
The search function will likely provide more interactive features when Amazon eventually releases the update. The Amazon app and website allow users to search for products by price. For example, users can input “smartphones under Rs 20,000,” and Amazon will generate results based on the search query. Additionally, users can filter their search results to refine their options further. Amazon’s search function with ChatGPT-like features helps users understand technical jargon when purchasing products. The search results may also become more precise and relevant to the user’s needs.
Meta (formerly known as Facebook) is also reportedly exploring the generative and conversational AI space with its product. Despite successful acquisitions, the company failed to create notable hardware as intended in the past. Meanwhile, tech giants like Microsoft and Google compete to offer the best generative AI experience. Microsoft collaborates closely with OpenAI, the company that developed the popular ChatGPT chatbot.
Conclusion:
Amazon planning to improve search function by incorporating generative AI demonstrates its commitment to enhancing the customer experience. Amazon joins tech giants like Google and Microsoft to revolutionize search capabilities through conversational AI. The recent job listings and emphasis on an interactive casual experience showcase Amazon’s ambitious search function overhaul. Implementing cutting-edge deep learning techniques, Amazon strives for an intuitive, personalized, and precise search experience for its users.
