Amazon has upgraded its next-generation AI assistant, Alexa+, with a new feature enabling users to order food from Uber Eats and Grubhub through conversational commands. The update, which began rolling out today, allows customers to explore menus, customise meals, and place delivery orders as if speaking to a waiter, according to the company.
The development represents a significant step in Amazon's goal to establish adaptive interaction models for its AI. Lauren, a reporter covering media and platforms for TechCrunch, confirmed the rollout, noting the feature is initially available to Alexa+ customers with an Echo Show 8 or larger device in the United States and the United Kingdom.
A More Natural Ordering Process
To use the feature, users must first link their Grubhub or Uber Eats account through the Alexa app. Once connected, previous orders sync automatically, facilitating easy reorders or discovery of new restaurants. Users can initiate an order by saying, for example, “I want to order Italian for delivery,” after which Alexa+ will guide them through restaurant options and menu items.
The system allows for mid-conversation changes, such as adding a dessert or adjusting quantities. Upon finalising selections, users receive a comprehensive summary of their cart, including itemised quantities and prices, before confirming the delivery.
Broader AI Context and Challenges
This move into conversational commerce comes amid wider experimentation with AI in the food industry, particularly at drive-thrus, which has faced accuracy challenges. In 2024, McDonald's paused its AI drive-thru initiative after errors, including one instance where an AI cashier added nine sweet teas to a single order. Similar mishaps at Taco Bell have been documented in viral videos.
Amazon's initiative is designed to avoid such pitfalls by creating a more guided, conversational flow, laying groundwork for future expansion into areas like grocery shopping and travel arrangements.
Expanding Alexa+ Capabilities
The food ordering feature is part of a broader suite of updates to Alexa+ since its U.S. launch and subsequent U.K. expansion. These include new voice personality styles such as "Sassy," designed for adults, alongside other options like Brief, Chill, and Sweet.
Contact for the TechCrunch report was verified through reporter Lauren's email, laurenf.techcrunch@gmail.com, and an encrypted Signal account.