Wal-Mart has joined forces with Google to offer a voice ordering option for shoppers.
Starting in late September, consumers can use the feature to order non-perishables for delivery, and next year they will be able to order fresh groceries and pick-up orders at stores as well, according to a news release.
“Our new voice shopping capability, coupled with our core value proposition, including free two-day shipping and the Pickup Discount, will give our customers a compelling new way to get what they need at low prices,” Marc Lore, president and CEO of e-commerce for Wal-Mart U.S., said in the release.
To use the voice ordering option, shoppers link their Wal-Mart accounts to the Google Express app and shop by voice using the app or the Google Home device, similar to the way Amazon shoppers order by voice using Echo devices.
“When it comes to voice shopping, we want to make it as easy as possible for our customers,” Lore said in the release. “That’s why it makes sense for us to team up with Google. They’ve made significant investments in natural language processing and artificial intelligence to deliver a powerful voice shopping experience.
“We know this means being compared side-by-side with other retailers, and we think that’s the way it should be,” Lore said. “An open and transparent shopping universe is good for customers.”