Microsoft Adds Direct Purchase Buttons to Copilot
▼ Summary
– Microsoft is launching a new in-chat purchasing feature for its Copilot AI chatbot.
– This feature allows users to complete purchases directly within the app without visiting a retailer’s website.
– The feature is demonstrated with an example of searching for and buying a small lamp.
– It is initially rolling out on Copilot.com in the US with select retailers like Urban Outfitters and Etsy sellers.
– Payments for these purchases are powered by partners including PayPal, Stripe, and Shopify.
Microsoft is introducing a new in-chat purchasing feature for its Copilot AI assistant, allowing users to complete transactions directly within their conversations. This move streamlines the shopping experience by integrating e-commerce into the chatbot’s interface, eliminating the need to navigate to external retailer websites. The functionality is designed to make product discovery and acquisition a seamless part of the user’s interaction with the AI.
When a user asks for a product recommendation, such as a small bedside lamp, Copilot can now provide a suggestion accompanied by actionable buttons. Alongside a “Details” option for more information, a prominent “Buy” button will appear. Selecting this initiates a checkout screen directly within the Copilot interface. Users can then enter their shipping details and payment information to finalize the purchase without ever leaving the chat.
The feature is currently being rolled out on Copilot.com for users in the United States. It is launching with a curated group of retail partners, including brands like Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Ashley Furniture, as well as select sellers from the Etsy marketplace. To facilitate the secure payment process, Microsoft is collaborating with major payment platforms. PayPal, Stripe, and Shopify are providing the underlying infrastructure to power these in-chat transactions, ensuring a familiar and trusted checkout experience for consumers. This integration represents a significant step in blending conversational AI with direct commercial activity.
(Source: The Verge)
