Hey there!

Check out today’s piece on Walmart’s new AI-powered search bar. Definitely interesting to see how more and more marketplaces are integrating AI into their UX.

For sure check out Perplexity, if you’ve not already done so. It’s still comparatively small but give it a few years and it might catch up with Google.

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1. Walmart Follows Amazon’s Steps With Gen AI In Search

2. Microsoft Launches An AI Banner Generator

3. Will Perplexity Be The Next Google?

4. Pinterest As The Antidote To AI?

Walmart Follows Amazon’s Steps With Gen AI In Search

Walmart has introduced new generative AI features to its online shopping platforms, in a collaboration with Microsoft. Announced at CES 2024, this initiative aims to upgrade the digital shopping experience using AI technology from Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. The enhanced search function on Walmart’s website and mobile apps is designed to understand customer queries better and provide more personalized, context-aware responses.

This development allows for more efficient shopping experiences, such as receiving consolidated product suggestions for specific requests like "unicorn-themed party". It represents a shift from traditional search methods to a more focused, goal-driven approach. This definitely feels like a catch-up move with Amazon’s Project Nile.

In addition to customer-focused improvements, Walmart has also launched an AI-powered "My Assistant" app for its associates. This tool is geared towards improving workplace productivity by assisting with various tasks such as content creation.

The introduction of these AI features is a part of the ongoing partnership between Walmart and Microsoft that began in 2018. Their collaboration has spanned multiple projects, contributing to Walmart's digital transformation efforts.

What does this mean for ecommerce sellers?

This would definitely change the current optimization tactics, I expect that there will be far more need of context in listings rather than just keywords. Amazon will probably have a similar reshuffle in terms of how the algo operates. (the question is when?)

If you are a Walmart online seller, these AI tools will definitely start trickling your way - I expect that in 2-3 months all Walmart listing generation and perhaps image generation will be powered by AI.

• Watch this video to learn how 10 businesses are actually using AI in their own unique business cases.

• This is where the wind is blowing: Microsoft's launched a new AI tool, Retail Media Creative Studio, which creates banner ads from product URLs and optimizes them in-flight. 100% this is coming across all of your digital platforms.

• The Search of The Future: Perhaps Google won’t be the main search engine in the next decade, given Perplexity’s stellar growth. Definitely some food for thought.

• An interesting analysis as how Pinterest will become the antidote of AI-generated content and given that there certainly will be a big backlash over AI and authenticity, this might be a platform where a lot of customers will shift to.

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