On Monday, Amazon India unveiled its Rufus artificial intelligence (AI) assistant for the desktop web interface. The e-commerce leader stated that this AI-driven shopping assistant will aid users during the upcoming Prime Day sale from July 12 to July 14, enabling them to make well-informed purchasing decisions. Initially launched in India in August 2024, Rufus was previously accessible only through Amazon’s mobile applications. This new rollout allows users to utilize the AI assistant while browsing on a desktop device.
Rufus AI Assistant Now Available on Amazon’s Desktop Interface
The rollout was officially announced at the Amazon India Prime Day event held at the Yashobhoomi convention center in Delhi NCR. A spokesperson emphasized that the introduction of the Rufus AI assistant aims to help shoppers discover the best deals and discounts while using a computer or laptop.
Rufus AI assistant
Photo Credit: Amazon
Rufus marks Amazon’s initial venture into consumer-focused AI chatbots, having been first revealed in February 2024. It was predominantly available in the United States for its initial months before expanding to India through mobile platforms. It is worth noting that the feature is still in its beta phase.
Similar to conventional chatbots, Rufus allows users to communicate using natural language, posing inquiries related to the Amazon e-commerce site. The chatbot leverages Amazon’s extensive data to provide answers in a conversational format.
Upon its launch, Amazon indicated that users could request product recommendations, inquire about the largest discounts available on specific products, and explore factors to consider before making a purchase. Rufus also accommodates follow-up questions. While it can take both text and voice inputs, it is limited to providing text responses.
On the mobile application, users can locate Rufus in the bottom-right corner, represented by a sparkle icon alongside two text bubbles — one orange and the other blue. Tapping on the icon reveals a bottom sheet layout, allowing users to enter their queries via text, record a voice note, or select from several suggested prompts presented in the center of the interface.
