Amazon Launches Lens Live AI-Powered Visual Shopping on iOS
Key Points
- Amazon introduces Lens Live, an AI‑driven visual shopping feature for iOS.
- Users can point their camera at objects to see matching Amazon listings instantly.
- Real‑time object detection compares items against billions of products in Amazon’s catalog.
- Results appear in a swipeable carousel with add‑to‑cart and wishlist options.
- Integrated with the Rufus AI assistant for product summaries and Q&A.
- Builds on existing visual‑search tools like image upload and barcode scanning.
- Initial rollout limited to iOS, with broader expansion planned in the coming weeks.
Amazon has introduced Lens Live, a new feature for its Shopping app on iOS that lets users point their phone camera at objects and instantly see matching product listings. Using real‑time object detection, Lens Live scans the environment, compares identified items against Amazon’s catalog, and presents similar products in a swipeable carousel with options to add to the cart or wishlist. The tool also integrates Amazon’s AI assistant Rufus to summarize descriptions and answer questions. Amazon says the feature builds on its existing visual‑search capabilities and will roll out to more customers in the coming weeks.
Feature Overview
Amazon announced a new capability called Lens Live, designed to turn a smartphone camera into a shopping assistant. The feature is initially available on the Amazon Shopping app for iOS devices. By simply pointing the camera at an object—whether it’s a piece of furniture, a gadget, or any item in a room—users can instantly receive product matches from Amazon’s marketplace.
How Lens Live Works
Lens Live leverages an object‑detection model that processes the video feed in real time. As the camera pans or focuses on a specific item, the model identifies the object and searches Amazon’s extensive catalog, which the company describes as containing billions of products. When relevant matches are found, Lens Live displays them in a swipeable carousel at the bottom of the screen. Each carousel entry includes options to add the item to a shopping cart or to a wishlist, enabling a seamless transition from visual discovery to purchase.
Integration with Amazon’s AI Assistant Rufus
The feature is further enhanced by integration with Amazon’s AI assistant, Rufus. Rufus can provide concise summaries of product descriptions and respond to user questions about the items displayed. This conversational layer allows shoppers to obtain additional information without leaving the Lens Live interface, streamlining the decision‑making process.
Building on Existing Visual Search Tools
Lens Live expands on Amazon’s prior visual‑search functionalities, which have allowed users to search by uploading a photo, scanning a barcode, or snapping a picture within the app. By moving the experience to a live, real‑time camera feed, Amazon aims to make product discovery more intuitive and immediate.
Future Availability
While the rollout currently targets iOS users, Amazon indicated that the feature will be extended to a broader audience in the coming weeks. The company’s roadmap suggests a phased expansion, potentially reaching Android devices and additional markets as the technology matures.